September is Organic Awareness Month

Organic products play an integral role within sustainable food systems as we continue our journey to a greener future. Your support is vital!

Organic farming works with the environment and is focused on sustainable production practices, soil health, land regeneration and the protection of biodiversity.

When a product is certified organic, it means the item has been grown or produced without synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides and that no artificial colours or preservatives are used in the finishing process. Not only does this mean less chemicals in food but also less chemical runoff from farms, which is much better for the environment. Organic production relies on continually improving soil health and increasing organic matter.

Meat and poultry can also be certified organic. To be certified, animals must roam freely in paddocks, interacting as they would in nature with ample access to pasture, shade and shelter. The animals’ diets are natural and free of chemicals, and throughout their lives, organic animals are not subjected to routine treatments of antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals.

Join us to enhance and support the certified organic industry by buying organic across all categories, including fresh fruit & veggies, packaged food and beverages, vitamins, skincare, and even pet food.

What is Organic Certified?

The meaning of "organic" can vary across different regions worldwide. However, in Australia, the term "certified organic" consistently signifies a set of stringent criteria:

Sustainability and Regeneration: Certified organic products in Australia are produced in a manner that prioritizes sustainability and promotes soil and ecosystem regeneration.

Free Range and Cruelty-Free: They are derived from sources that ensure animals are raised in free-range environments and are not subjected to animal testing.

No GMOs: Certified organic products in Australia are strictly free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Avoidance of Harmful Chemicals: These products are cultivated without the use of harmful or synthetic chemicals.

To earn the "Certified Organic" label in Australia, products must undergo a rigorous certification process. This process involves thorough inspection and approval by an independent third-party certification agency, which verifies that the entire production chain, from farm to final product, adheres to the Australian Certified Organic Standards.

Moreover, the commitment to these standards doesn't end with certification; companies are subject to annual and random audits to ensure ongoing compliance with these requirements.

How organics help the planet?

Organic farms have demonstrated up to 40% lower carbon emissions compared to non-organic farms in various long-term studies. With climate change causing rising temperatures, drier conditions in already-arid regions, and more extreme flooding, organic farming helps combat global warming by improving carbon and water retention in soil.

Shop for Organic Food by following a few steps

1 - Buy in Season

When fruits, veggies and herbs are in season, they’re typically more abundant and therefore cheaper. There’s a reason why root vegetables, hearty leafy greens, and citrus are in season during winter, while salad greens flourish in summer. These seasonal foods align with what our bodies nutritionally need at different times of the year.

Eating foods that are grown and consumed in their natural seasons means they are more nutritionally dense, benefiting from a wider variety of phytochemicals and nutrients. They also tend to have better flavour.

2 – Buy in Bulk

Bringing your own bag or container to purchase bulk dried goods like nuts, quinoa, oats, legumes, and seeds can save you a lot of money while also cutting down on unnecessary packaging. You can further reduce costs by teaming up with a friend or neighbour to buy larger quantities.

3 – Freeze and Reuse

Buying and stockpiling organic mangoes, berries, bananas, and even greens when they’re ripe and in season, then freezing them for later use in smoothies, jams, or casseroles, can save you plenty of money in the long run. Plus, there’s minimal loss of phytochemicals, minerals, and fibre.

4 – Grow Your Own

You don’t need a garden, and it takes little effort to grow a few pots of your favourite herbs and vegetables—plus, it’s incredibly rewarding. You can grow them anywhere: on windowsills, porches, or even driveways. Start with herbs, as they’re often expensive to buy and require very little space. Try upcycling empty egg cartons into seedling planters or using old bean cans and milk bottles as plant pots.

5 – Cook at Home

Cooking meals at home, especially in batches, can help families save money while also protecting their health. By preparing your own food, you control both what goes into your meals and what stays out. In the long run, this can also lead to savings on medical expenses by reducing trips to the doctor and hospital.

September Seasonality:

Fruit

• Avocado
• Banana
• Lemon
• Lime
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Mandarins
• Watermelon

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Corn
• Eggplant
• Lettuce
• Onion
• Parsnip
• Potato
• Pumpkin
• Radish
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Sweet Potato
• Tomato
• Zucchini