NORTH of Port Lincoln, on the Flinders Highway, there is a bounty of fresh organic produce that can be bought direct from the farm.
Munda Munda Organics, located between Wangary and Coffin Bay, is run by Malcolm Saunders who grew up at Port Lincoln but started farming organically in Tas.
"I was one of the founding members of the Tasmanian Organic Producers association, which was set up 20 years ago," he said.
"I've been living back on the Eyre Peninsula for 18 years, and have never sprayed the property once."
Malcolm says he has always had an interest in organic food.
"I don't believe in spraying, and I don't have any pest trouble, because I've built up natural resistance in the soil," he said.
"I just use chicken manure to boost the soil, and I've started using certified organic fertiliser from Neutrog at Kanmantoo."
Malcolm is also moving into a new product to boost his soil.
"I'm planning on using a liquid fertiliser made from tuna," he said.
"It's a local product and it's certified as A-grade organic with the National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia."
He also uses liquid seaweed, watering it in to boost crop health.
Malcolm says a healthy body requires a healthy diet of fresh, organic vegetables.
He uses naturally filtered groundwater to water his property, which is all under drippers for maximum efficiency.
"Dripper lines are the cheapest and easiest way to irrigate the property," he said.
"I won't use sprinklers, because water is the most valuable commodity in this part of the world."
Munda Munda grows tomatoes, eggplants, squash, spring onions, cucumbers, capsicums, zucchinis, beetroot, carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips, turnips, basil, parsley, coriander, asian greens, lettuce and other in-season herbs and vegetables.
Farmgate, store and restaurant sales are available on arrangement and deliveries are made to Port Lincoln weekly.
Munda Munda Organics sells to shops on the EP, including the general store at Wangary and the newly opened EP Hub Market Place at 28 Liverpool Street, Port Lincoln, which is a showcase for EP producers.
Malcolm says he planted plenty of native trees, and kept livestock off the property, which has seen natural regeneration of the land.
* Full report in Stock Journal, May 29, 2014 issue.
Paula Thompson
Stock Journal's markets editor.
Stock Journal's markets editor.
