Soil-grown organic food production is not a fad, but is it sustainable? MIKE NICHOLS explores the organic philosophy, the discontinuity of organic definitions, and challenges the long-term viability of soil-based organic greenhouse cropping systems. He writes one possible solution is hydroponics using natural ingredients such as seaweed and fish manures.
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The authors explore the evidence for neonicotinoid impacts on honey bees, the role of governments in regulating pesticides, and the changes required to adequately evaluate their environmental safety.

By Marilyn Steiner and Stephen Goodwin Read More »

Branding Hydroponics

For hydroponic growers, certified organic produce is a label too far away. Why? Because, according to the organic philosophy, food not grown in soil cannot be organic, even if no pesticides are used. The notion comes from the religious belief that soil itself is sacred. The organic philosophy draws on aspects of Rudolph Steiner’s 19th Century theory of anthroposophy that postulates the holistic development and interrelationship of soil and plants as a self-nourishing system without other inputs. Almost all organic certification authorities worldwide make it clear that production systems must be soil-based and hydroponics and aquaponics are not permitted. The Biological Farmers Association in Australia and some US States recognise the status of organic systems in the absence of soil. Read More »

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has suspended the use of dimethoate on a number of food crops due to potential dietary risks. New restrictions have been put into place that allow dimethoate to be used only on certain horticultural crops. Read More »

Darling Downs onion grower Alan Richards says he is disgusted by the amount of vegetables being imported into Australia. The Chronicle (www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/10/06/vegie-imports-hurt-farmers/) reports he said there was no reason for vegetables such as onions, capsicum and tomatoes to be imported because farmers grew most produce on a seasonal basis throughout the year. Read More »

Queensland scientists are trying to grow a variety of strawberry that tastes like bubblegum. The new strawberry is being trialled at a research station of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) at Nambour on the state’s Sunshine Coast. Principal horticulturalist Mark Herrington says the bubblegum-flavoured strawberry will not be in the shops for several years, but predicts it will be a big hit with the kids. Read More »

Many Australian farms face problems finding a reliable workforce in busy periods of the year.

“The Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme, which is organised through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations helps growers by arranging short-term labour in the form of willing assistants from islands such as Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy. Read More »