WHY ORGANIC?

Why Buy Local and Organic Produce?
Choosing local organic vegetables isn’t just about healthier eating—it’s about supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit both people and planet. With strict organic standards set by Australian Certified Organic (ACO), you know that certified produce is grown using the highest environmental and health standards.

Organic Farming

Organic farming in Australia focuses on growing crops without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or GMOs, using natural methods to improve soil health and biodiversity. To be certified organic by ACO, a farm must follow strict guidelines, such as avoiding synthetic inputs for a minimum of three years and using sustainable practices to enhance soil fertility.
Some key ACO standards are:

• No Synthetic Chemicals: ACO-certified farms cannot use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Instead, they rely on organic methods like composting, biological pest control, and natural fertilisers.
• Non-GMO Guarantee: ACO standards strictly prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in all certified organic products, ensuring that all produce is naturally bred and cultivated.
• Sustainable Water Use: Organic farming must incorporate practices to conserve water. For example, ACO standards require farms to manage water use carefully and promote the natural retention of moisture in soil, reducing water waste.
• Animal Welfare: If livestock are involved, ACO-certified farms must follow humane animal welfare practices, ensuring animals have access to pasture and natural living conditions.

Health Benefits of Organic

Organic vegetables are healthier not just because they are free from synthetic chemicals but because they often contain higher levels of nutrients, like antioxidants and vitamins.  This is due to the more nutrient rich and healthier soil they are grown in plus all the other good organic inputs. These nutrients are essential for boosting immune system and overall health.

• No Chemical Residues: Certified organic vegetables don’t carry harmful pesticide residues, which have been linked to various health problems like hormone disruption and certain cancers.
• Higher Nutrient Levels: Studies show that organic veggies can have higher levels of key nutrients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. The focus on soil health and natural growing conditions is key to this nutrient boost.
• Non-GMO: Organic certification guarantees that you’re eating produce that has not been genetically modified, giving consumers peace of mind.

Environmental Benefits of Organic

Organic farming does more than just reduce chemical use—it actively supports the environment and promotes sustainability.

• Cleaner Soil and Water: With ACO’s strict prohibition on synthetic chemicals, organic farming helps reduce soil degradation and prevents harmful run-off from entering Australia’s rivers and oceans. This helps protect aquatic ecosystems and reduce pollution.
• Soil Health and Carbon Capture: ACO-certified farms use methods like crop rotation, green manure, and composting, all of which help improve soil structure and fertility. Healthy soil not only supports plant growth but also captures carbon, which helps combat climate change.
• Biodiversity: Organic farms under ACO certification are known for promoting biodiversity. By avoiding harmful chemicals, these farms create a habitat for various species of plants, insects, and animals, making ecosystems more resilient.

Why You Should Buy Local Organic Produce

Buying local organic produce does more than just give you access to fresher, healthier food—it also strengthens the local economy and reduces your environmental footprint!

• Support for Local Farmers: Buying locally grown, ACO-certified vegetables helps support small-scale farmers who use sustainable methods. This strengthens our rural economy and helps preserve farmland.
• Fresher, Tastier Produce: Local organic veggies reach your plate quicker, which means they retain more of their nutrients and flavour compared to imported produce that’s been sitting in transit for days or weeks.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: By reducing the distance food travels, you also reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Locally sourced organic vegetables are a great way to enjoy a more eco-friendly diet.

Choosing local organic produce that meets ACO standards means you’re supporting farming practices that are better for you, the planet, and the future food security of our region.