Preserve the legacy of Green Grove
AU$18,350
of $65,000 targetyrs ago
Closed on 5th Jun 2016 at 10:54PM.
Project Objective
Green Grove farm, Kamarah, New South Wales, has been farmed organically since 1962. Due to the decades of careful soil and farm management, there is evidence of exceptional soil biodiversity and health expressed ecologically through the soil-plant –animal, food chain. The farm receives some of the highest premium prices due to the quality of it's organic produce.
The objective of this project is the preserve the important legacy of this Australian leading organic farm and to use it as an open source educational base for supporting future work on linking food-chain health benefits from what is now termed agro-ecology.
This project seeks to fully document this knowledge, fill data gaps and publicly share this important information for future generations.
The Challenge – Preserving a unique farm history for the benefit of future generations
Did you know that generations of conventional farming and over use have depleted soils of the rich nutrients it was once imbued with?
That we have lost up to 50% mineral value of fresh produce?
And mineral deficiency is associated with a rise in chronic illness?
This project will help uncover the relationship between soil mineral nutrition, crop cultivation and food quality by investigating the success achieved at Australia's oldest, premier organic farm, Green Grove Organics, through their organic farming practices via nurturing of the whole farm ecology.
See the quality of Alan's soil - showing the results of good organic farming
Green Grove farm, Kamarah, New South Wales, has been farmed organically since 1962. Due to the decades of careful soil and farm management, there is evidence of exceptional soil biodiversity and health expressed ecologically through the soil-plant –animal, food chain. The farm receives some of the highest premium prices due to the quality of it's organic produce.
The objective of this project is the preserve the important legacy of this Australian leading organic farm and to use it as an open source educational base for supporting future work on linking food-chain health benefits from what is now termed agro-ecology.
This project seeks to fully document this knowledge, fill data gaps and publicly share this important information for future generations.
The Challenge – Preserving a unique farm history for the benefit of future generations
Did you know that generations of conventional farming and over use have depleted soils of the rich nutrients it was once imbued with?
That we have lost up to 50% mineral value of fresh produce?
And mineral deficiency is associated with a rise in chronic illness?
This project will help uncover the relationship between soil mineral nutrition, crop cultivation and food quality by investigating the success achieved at Australia's oldest, premier organic farm, Green Grove Organics, through their organic farming practices via nurturing of the whole farm ecology.
See the quality of Alan's soil - showing the results of good organic farming
History of the Farm and its importance in organic farming knowledge
The “Green Grove” farm is a 1100 hectare property situated near Ardlethan, in the magnificent and fertile Riverina region of New South Wales. The farm has been owned by the Druce family since 1918.
In 1962, the current owner Alan Druce, became concerned about pollution in the food chain. He set about taking steps toward pure food production by eliminating harmful sprays, artificial fertilisers and other “modern day” farming practices designed to “enhance” farm production, becoming in the process one of the pioneers of organic farming in Australia.
This method of farming is based on the nurturing of the whole farm ecology, and treating it as an incredibly intricate, interdependent and fragile system that needs to be understood and cared for. The Green Grove logo, the hand, soil and grain, depicts farmers being caretakers of the ecology, to produce food.
Since 1987 “Green Grove” has had an association with the Australian National University (ANU) and is almost constantly being monitored and compared with conventional farming. The results of these tests are regarded as significant, sometime astonishing, to the point of “Green Grove” being regarded as one of the premier organic test cases in Australia, and indeed the world.
In July of 1998 the “Green Grove” site was presented at the 7th International Conference of Ecology in Florence, Italy as a significant organic test site.
Today the Druce family, the fourth generation on “Green Grove”, enjoy the results of a long-standing organic conversion, and continue to seek ways and methods of better food production.
Read some insights from Alan on Organic Farming principles
In 1962, the current owner Alan Druce, became concerned about pollution in the food chain. He set about taking steps toward pure food production by eliminating harmful sprays, artificial fertilisers and other “modern day” farming practices designed to “enhance” farm production, becoming in the process one of the pioneers of organic farming in Australia.
This method of farming is based on the nurturing of the whole farm ecology, and treating it as an incredibly intricate, interdependent and fragile system that needs to be understood and cared for. The Green Grove logo, the hand, soil and grain, depicts farmers being caretakers of the ecology, to produce food.
Since 1987 “Green Grove” has had an association with the Australian National University (ANU) and is almost constantly being monitored and compared with conventional farming. The results of these tests are regarded as significant, sometime astonishing, to the point of “Green Grove” being regarded as one of the premier organic test cases in Australia, and indeed the world.
In July of 1998 the “Green Grove” site was presented at the 7th International Conference of Ecology in Florence, Italy as a significant organic test site.
Today the Druce family, the fourth generation on “Green Grove”, enjoy the results of a long-standing organic conversion, and continue to seek ways and methods of better food production.
Read some insights from Alan on Organic Farming principles
Highest quality produce - a result of healthy soil to healthier foods?
Alan's farm produces high value on the market - including premium organic wheat, oats, beef and lamb. He was paid top dollar for last years wheat - a testament to the quality of organic farming process starting with top quality mineral rich soils. This project will help build the knowledge to understand the importance of mineral rich, healthy organic soils and mineral rich organic feed (Green Grove oats and pastures) to the production of higher protein and mineral enriched produce. For example you can order beef and lamb here - (for Sydney and local Riverina customers only)
Using the farm to educate our future food producers
Green Grove Organic farm is frequently showcased to local school and university agricultural groups as a successful organic farm. Last week the farm had the latest group of Charles Stuart University students out to learn from Alan. This project will enhance the ability of Green Grove to function as an effective education facility to help educate our next generation of farmers and consumers.
inside the shearing shed learning about organic farming
Hearing about organic animal health at the stockyards.
inside the shearing shed learning about organic farming
Hearing about organic animal health at the stockyards.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The project advisory team comprising of Neil Druce, John Ridley, and Damian Fielke will guide the project through a series of steps all designed to meet or exceed our project objective above. Some of the steps outlined below will be identified as stretch project components – that is they will be undertaken if we exceed our project raising target and add value to the overall project.
The project steps are as follows:
1. Data Collection and Review 1962 – 2016 - 12% of funds
This exercise will attempt to capture and collate as much relevant data as possible on the farm history. This will include farm management plans, paddock layouts, crop rotations over the years, organic products applied, soil chemistry and biology, animal stocking and health etc.
2. Analysis of Data Gaps - 19% of funds
The focus for the gap analysis will be knowledge that helps us understand the overall farm health with a particular focus on soils, plants and animal health.
3. Health Based Sampling and Analysis - 39% of funds
We will consult with experts in soil, plant and animal health to devise a testing program across a broad range of parameters as follows:
Soils – we anticipate sampling soils across the whole farm to build a strong current position on soil health. This will include chemical and biological sampling and analysis. In the past some rare species of fungi have been isolated from the soils at Green Grove and this will be a particular focus.
Plants – we plan to test plant health across the farm which will include the 2016 cropping season as well as fruit trees and native grasses. Examples of tests proposed include Brix readings, plant tissue analysis, nutrient density, protein in grain, etc.
Animal health – a variety of animal health tests from tissue tests, blood sampling, meat quality and wool quality will be undertaken.
4. Compile Data for Review and Presentation - 12% of funds
Pulling all the data together in a comprehensive farm health report will allow the team to seek comment and expert opinion on the value and importance of the farm. We will seek specific expert views on the health of the farm and make these public.
5. Web based Data Sharing Portal - 18% of funds
One of the main objectives is to share what we think will be very important findings with the general public and put this in a format that is both easy to navigate and readily accessible to all. We will set up a dedicated web page for the farm and all its data sets.
Stretch Projects - what if we get more? What will we deliver?
Depending on the amount we will look at:
a) Design on-going programs for testing and monitoring of the farm health into the future. The first aim would be to put together a 5 year plan 2016-2021 and establish a budget to keep progressing the important monitoring and testing work.
b) Undertake a regional public seminar program to share the project findings to the local community. We envisage a program of about 5 seminar in regional towns.
c) Establish an on farm educational facility. This would be a great project to complete if our funding campaign is a great success and we have sufficient funds to set up an on farm educational facility to cater for educational farm tours for schools, colleges and the general public. As part of this we would like to set up regular events and program aimed at education around farm production, soil and plant health and the implications for animal and human health. This could become a regional centre of excellence for health based education.
The project steps are as follows:
1. Data Collection and Review 1962 – 2016 - 12% of funds
This exercise will attempt to capture and collate as much relevant data as possible on the farm history. This will include farm management plans, paddock layouts, crop rotations over the years, organic products applied, soil chemistry and biology, animal stocking and health etc.
2. Analysis of Data Gaps - 19% of funds
The focus for the gap analysis will be knowledge that helps us understand the overall farm health with a particular focus on soils, plants and animal health.
3. Health Based Sampling and Analysis - 39% of funds
We will consult with experts in soil, plant and animal health to devise a testing program across a broad range of parameters as follows:
Soils – we anticipate sampling soils across the whole farm to build a strong current position on soil health. This will include chemical and biological sampling and analysis. In the past some rare species of fungi have been isolated from the soils at Green Grove and this will be a particular focus.
Plants – we plan to test plant health across the farm which will include the 2016 cropping season as well as fruit trees and native grasses. Examples of tests proposed include Brix readings, plant tissue analysis, nutrient density, protein in grain, etc.
Animal health – a variety of animal health tests from tissue tests, blood sampling, meat quality and wool quality will be undertaken.
4. Compile Data for Review and Presentation - 12% of funds
Pulling all the data together in a comprehensive farm health report will allow the team to seek comment and expert opinion on the value and importance of the farm. We will seek specific expert views on the health of the farm and make these public.
5. Web based Data Sharing Portal - 18% of funds
One of the main objectives is to share what we think will be very important findings with the general public and put this in a format that is both easy to navigate and readily accessible to all. We will set up a dedicated web page for the farm and all its data sets.
Stretch Projects - what if we get more? What will we deliver?
Depending on the amount we will look at:
a) Design on-going programs for testing and monitoring of the farm health into the future. The first aim would be to put together a 5 year plan 2016-2021 and establish a budget to keep progressing the important monitoring and testing work.
b) Undertake a regional public seminar program to share the project findings to the local community. We envisage a program of about 5 seminar in regional towns.
c) Establish an on farm educational facility. This would be a great project to complete if our funding campaign is a great success and we have sufficient funds to set up an on farm educational facility to cater for educational farm tours for schools, colleges and the general public. As part of this we would like to set up regular events and program aimed at education around farm production, soil and plant health and the implications for animal and human health. This could become a regional centre of excellence for health based education.
Sponsor an Acre
This is a donation of $30 and for this we will supply organic liquid fertiliser to our not for profit and NGO partners for adding health and vitality to one acre of land in Australia and overseas. This donation and project will be tracked on the Better Food Project Web site - www.betterfoodproject.com.au and the sponsors will be able to see updates of the project and each doner will be recognised on this web site and on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal..
4 chosen / 996 available
Est. delivery is Jul 16
Two Plantfood Pouches
Two 100ml pouches of super concentrated Converte Plantfood can be used to build health in your garden, veggie patch or can even cover up to an acre each of the farm. The $40 includes post and packaging and also each doner will be recognised on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal.
4 chosen / 996 available
Est. delivery is Jul 16
Junee Licorice Gift pack
Alan Druce’s son Neil manages the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory that makes a range of licorice products from the organic wheat produced at Green Grove. The $50 includes post and packaging and also each doner will be recognised on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal. See more info on the factory at http://www.greengroveorganics.com.au/
12 chosen / 488 available
Est. delivery is Aug 16
Factory tour/lunch for 2
For those lucky enough to be able to travel to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory this reward makes for a great day out and an opportunity to see this exciting rural business in full swing with a special behind the scenes tour. And enjoy a great lunch for two. You will need to book and choose from available dates across the year. And recognized on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal. See more about the factory at http://www.greengroveorganics.com.au/
0 chosen / 50 available
Est. delivery is Sep 16
Junee Dinner and Dance
Dinner for 2 at the the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory with guest speaker Neil Druce, son of Alan and owner of the factory. A fun night with Neil and family. Hear from generations who have lived with Green Grove Organics their whole lives. Good food, drinks and bring your dancing shoes for a great night out with great people. See more about the factory at http://www.greengroveorganics.com.au/ And you will recognized on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal.
0 chosen / 90 available
Est. delivery is Oct 16
Better Food Weekend Event
Better Food Weekend Inaugural event, a celebration of great local food - reward includes a dinner dance in Junee Saturday night at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, breakfast then a Green Grove farm tour and lunch on Sunday. The weekend includes accommodation in Junee on Saturday night. And recognized on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal. Weekend will be 22 and 23 October 2016
2 chosen / 88 available
Est. delivery is Jun 16
Soil Health Seminar
The day includes a Soil Health half day seminar, lunch and farm tour of Green Grove Farm. We will organise a series of soil health seminars with a soil fertility expert for small groups to come and experience the farm for themselves and meet the farm manager for a tour of the property. The $500 includes a lunch buffet of organic food on the farm, a four hour seminar on soil health and also each donor will be recognized on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal.
1 chosen / 29 available
Est. delivery is Sep 16
Paddock Naming rights
We are pleased to offer naming rights for the 10 farm paddocks. A plaque will be placed on the farm gate in recognition of the donation and a copy of the plaque will also be displayed on the web page in recognition of this valuable contribution to health and education.
3 chosen / 7 available
Est. delivery is Aug 16
Dinner with Alan and tour
Dinner for two with the godfather of organic farming in Australia, Alan and a personalised tour of his farm. Includes accommodation for one night in Junee and dinner at The Green Grove Organic Liquorice Factory with Alan and family. Each donor will be recognized on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web Site Portal.
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Nov 16
Education Centre name
Educational Centre naming right - This is our top reward and allows the doner to name the educational centre and have a large plaque at the entrance. The doner will also have a dedicated page on the Green Grove Organic Farm Web site to make a statement about the educational centre and the importance of health and education in food and agriculture.
1 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Oct 16