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With more than 70 years of collective experience in building successful dairy and organic companies, there isn’t too much Mark Retzloff, Chairman, Aurora Organic Dairy, and Mark Peperzak, CEO, Aurora Organic Dairy, don’t know about the organic dairy industry. Five years ago they co-founded Aurora Organic Dairy. Bringing knowledge and expertise, as well as an unwavering commitment to accessibility and affordability, they have managed to position Aurora Organic Dairy as one of the leading suppliers of high quality organic milk to average Americans. By focusing on organic stewardship, sustainable farming practices, innovative business models, and practical community involvement, Aurora Organic Dairy is well placed to bring organic milk into...

A recent Australian study has found higher than acceptable pesticide residues in strawberries from conventional farms (Choice magazine, February 2008). It has been pointed out that this highlights the potential for chemical abuse in all produce. ‘Chemical cocktail’ mixes are shown to be of particular concern for parents and growing healthy crop plants, warns Australia’s largest organic representative group, Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA). Soil health technician and BFA spokesperson, Mr Greg Paynter, says the mixed use of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and fungicides weaken crops in the long-term when applied in un-tested combinations at the discretion of farmers. “Excessive reside levels are a problem –...

As most of you are no doubt aware, British celebrity chef - Jamie Oliver - has been stirring things up again. And he’s good at it! His documentary series entitled “Jamie’s Fowl Dinners”, which recently aired in the United Kingdom, featured graphic scenes of battery hens being slaughtered. Although the scenes depicting the awful conditions and miserable existence of birds awaiting slaughter would come as no surprise to anyone that’s had anything to do with the commercial poultry industry, apparently many scenes shocked viewers. According to a recent article published in The Telegraph, sales of organic and free-range chickens have soared following airing of the show. This sudden increase in demand for organic and...

Time Magazine included her amongst the hundred most important figures of the twentieth century and there wouldn’t be many organic gardeners or producers who fail to recognise her contribution to their cause. Her research skills and clear writing style alerted a wider audience to the environmental implications of chemical based agriculture. Rachel Louise Carson was born in Springdale, Pennsylvania in 1907 and demonstrated an early interest in nature, literature, and the arts. She commenced college as an English Major but was encouraged to change to Zoology after taking an introductory course in Biological Science. She earned her Masters degree in Zoology then undertook teaching duties in Maryland. Summer vacations involved further studies...

Unfortunately, with the rise of industrial agriculture and the promotion of hybrid seed varieties, much of the knowledge associated with seed saving has been lost. This is disconcerting on a number of levels, not least of which is the real potential that exists for food choices available to future generations to be seriously compromised as a result of the loss of genetic material necessary to provide diversity in crop species. While technology hasn’t always aided in the advancement of the organic movement, the internet has become a helpful tool and resource for those dedicated to seed saving. Many wonderful sites now exist that provide information and practical advice on seed saving. Some of these are the websites of dedicated organisations...