Organic Methods & Certification

Jaragun has been certified 'A' grade organic since 1991, with the certifying body, Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA).  This is one of two main certifying bodies in Australia at the present time, the other being NASAA.  Standards are similar in both.  BFA standards can be found at their website, www.bfa.com.au

Organic farming means, of course, using no chemicals, either for pest and weed control or for fertiliser.  But it means more than that.  Good organic farming methods are aimed at building up soil fertility rather than depleting it, and conserving the land and waterways.  We work in harmony with nature, and the result is a product superior in flavour, which will keep well.  (Over-fertilised produce breaks down faster.)  Because there are no residual chemicals in the produce, consumers can be assured that it will do them nothing but good. 
Our methods of conserving soil fertility include: 

• Incorporation of native vegetation (lantana).  This is a very good source of minerals, especially potassium. It is cut and ploughed in to the paddock one year prior to planting with ginger. 
• Contour ploughing to direct the abundant rainfall into the crop rather than letting it wash the soil down the creek.  This conserves both soil and waterway. 

Use of approved organic fertiliser, namely composted chicken manure, only when necessary.

Mulching.  When the ginger is planted each year, the rows are mulched with grass grown on the property.  It takes about 10 acres of grass to mulch one acre of ginger.  Mulch has many benefits. It 

• conserves water and stops the plants drying out in the dry season. 
•  helps control weeds and keep the ginger cool before the tops have formed a cover for it. 
• In this very wet climate, mulch harbours a white fungus, which kills nematodes. 

Most of the work is done by hand, often with the help of WWOOFers  and an old tractor. 

BFA standards also extend to the packing shed.  We have a fully-lined, airconditioned shed for packing the ginger and storing the packaging materials, so there is no contamination by animals etc.  Everything is done according to not only BFA standards, but also Freshcare standards.

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• Ginger Cordial
• Pure Ginger Juice
• Minced Ginger
• Green Tea & Ginger
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Organic Certification

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