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Autumn 2006 Newsletter
COMPOSTING WITH EM BOKASHI by Andy Barratt These are some notes from a workshop held in Dunedin in November. It was organized by the City Council and led by Nicole Buhrs of Christchurch. Nicole has been an EM Bokashi advocate for many years and her visit to Dunedin included a presentation to the City Council on the virtues of the system. Christchurch City has promoted EM composting for some years now; the aim is for Dunedin to follow suit. For those who haven’t heard of EM before, the letters stand for “Effective Microorganisms”. And “Bokashi” is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter”. The EM Bokashi system converts kitchen food waste into a compost material that can be used within a matter of weeks. It is perhaps most readily understood as an alternative to having a worm farm. For those interested in reading (much) more about EM, Nicole recommends Terua Higa’s book “An Earth Saving Revolution”. All the basic information (including details of how to order the necessary equipment and materials) can be found on two websites: www.emnz.com and www.bokashi.co.nz Rather than reproduce all the details you can find on the internet, I will make just a few comments here. In terms of the products available, there are two of these: liquid EM (for those wishing to make up their own compost starter); and EM Bokashi (EM fermented with sawdust, bran and molasses) which is ready for immediate use. Also for sale is a two-bucket system, which allows for both the composting of kitchen waste and the collection of liquid from the compost. The liquid can be diluted and used as an instant fertilizer. It is important for certified organic growers to note that EM Bokashi is NOT approved by Bio-Gro. This is because the bran base used in the commercial mix is not organically certified. This means that anyone wanting to use EM within an organic regime would need to make their own. Nicole provided the following recipe: Ingredients
Method
This would make enough Bokashi for a number of growers to use.
From the Minutes: Highlights of the last meeting Andy Barratt and John Gadd have created a Powerpoint presentation to promote Otago Organics and a roadshow is planned. The aim is to raise awareness and recruit new members for Otago Organics and the OFNZ Scheme. A colour printed flier is being produced for distribution. A presentation will be given to the Sustainable Agriculture Forum in February. NCC news: John Gadd has put forward a discussion paper for constitutional change. A Meeting was held recently with the Canterbury OFNZ growers’ group. Potential to share responsibilities and resources and to present as a strong, united group was supported. The position of Certification Manager is vacant and applications are invited ..see next item for more details. Certification Matters: (Digging Deep) We are featuring the position of Certification Manager (CM) as Otago Organics is currently advertising for a person to take on this key role. Bobb Burton, who has been CM for several years, has moved on to become Auditor of Otago Organics. He has done a marvellous job as CM, and we thank him for his dedication and good work in facilitating the smooth running of the scheme. The CM issues documentation to pods (property management plans (PMP) & peer review forms) and individually audited growers (management plans) 3 months before their current certificate expires. This is now done electronically. Peer Review forms are printed out by the pod leader for use on the day of the review. The PMP can now be completed in the computer and transmitted as such. The CM is responsible for the whole certification documentation process. All paperwork passes through the CM’s hands and complete records for each grower are maintained by the CM as well as the Otago Organics Database (written in Excel). Once paperwork has been completed and checked by the Pod Leader, the CM then checks the paperwork further for completeness and accuracy, highlighting any issues for the Auditor’s attention. After audit, the CM screens all audit reports and calls for a Certification Committee (CC) meeting where a grower’s final status is decided. The CC frequently sets policy, issues guidelines and decides on interpretations of the production rules. The CC considers all aspects of a grower’s documentation in depth. The CM also responds to grower’s queries, issues approvals for the use of restricted off-farm inputs and is often required to research matters in order to come up with answers and advice. All of this leads to a good understanding of the BioGro production rules, the OFNZ compliance procedures and the Otago Organics guidelines. The CM needs a tolerance of paperwork, an attention to detail, a methodical nature and an enquiring mind. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Basic computer skills are required, including Word, Excel and email. The CM is also required to travel to meetings of both the Regional and Certification Committees, and to individual properties from time to time to carry out site inspections. Full training will be given, and it is a paid position. This may suit someone interested in learning more about the running of the scheme. The work is interesting, varied and you get to work with lots of great people. The CM role is a total immersion in the organic process, ‘he who sees all and hears all.’ You might get hungry but you won’t get bored! The Voice Interview with some part of the industry. Green Tide Organics Moves Offshore – by Ray Wright Janie and I have just purchased a 7 acre property in Alexandra on the Galloway Plain and will be moving in Autumn. My initial forays into the job market have led me to meet several organic growers, one in particular who is keen to become part of a certifying group of OrganicFarmNZ. We are looking forward again to the process of establishing the new property as an organically certified production unit consequently it seems appropriate that some form of pod be established in the future…..will keep you posted of our intentions and progress. Meanwhile, our Karitane property is on the market …. See the flier attached to the newsletter for details. Anyone interested in purchasing please phone our agent or us. I have thoroughly enjoyed my organic endeavours with the group here in Dunedin and in particular in Karitane and one of the highlights for me was the establishment of the OFNZ stall at the Otago Farmers’ Market. Bye for now until we meet again, Ray and Janie. Organic Tips Invite people to send in ideas – recipes to bug control methods. For those who like rhubarb but don’t like the effect it has on the teeth, I heard the following tip, which is to mix in a little cornflour when cooking. Andy Barratt Report on OO Presentation Last night (28th Feb 2006) Andy Barratt and John Gadd gave the Otago Organics presentation at the Town Hall. Eleven people attended of which 3 joined up as Associate Members. An ODT reporter attended. The presentation was well received and there was discussion afterwards. There was a clear view expressed that people wanted an organization that promotes networking as well as facilitating a wide range of organic interests. The tour of the region with the presentation will continue over the next few months and may result in an increase in membership. We particularly wish to encourage new growers to enter the OFNZ Scheme. Upcoming Events Otago Organics will organise at least one Field Trip or speaker of interest per quarter. Also note any other important events. Field Trip: Greenman Brewery - an organic beer producer who has set up in the old Emmerson’s building. Tuesday May 9th at 6pm, 9 Range St, Dunedin. Come along! Other dates: Oamaru Organic Food and Wine Festival 18th & 19th March Dunedin Farmers’ Market Saturday mornings 8am – 11am Otago Organics have a stand for registered growers every Saturday for the next few months. Come and support – buy/sell. Harvest Thanksgiving Feast: Friday 24th March, 7pm at 246 Church Rd, Merton. Cost: $10. OO Members, partners and friends are warmly invited. Bring along a sumptuous pot luck dish to serve 4. We hope that meat for the gathering will be donated, or subsidised by OO for spit roasting. People with musical ability are seriously encouraged to bring along an instrument which includes voices for an informal jamming session.
Advertising Cost $20 First in first served. eg produce, hay, straw, livestock, machinery, equipment etc. Wanted to buy: approx 35 Deer Posts, pointed ends preferred, and 100 metres of Deer Netting, plus 100 metres of 2metre wide windbreak material. Anything considered, all or part. Cash paid for right goods. Phone Bobb (03)4394488 or email fenlands@clear.net.nz Co-operate and Share It What have you got that is underutilised and might be used by somebody else in exchange. We would like people to use this space to declare that they are able to loan to or swap with others eg equipment, labour, services etc. Advertisement for Ray Wright’s Property. On behalf of RE/MAX Ultimate, John Dorking MEINZ, PO Box 7153, Dunedin We are delighted to be able to offer this superb property for sale by tender closing 15th March 2006. Five acres fully organically certified in sought after Karitane. A picturesque setting overlooking the estuary complements the three bedroom home complete with Garaging and carport. This is a true lifestyle opportunity not to be missed. If you would like further information please contact Susan Blackledge or John Dorking. Susan Blackledge Mobile 027 417 9073 a/h 03 456 1636 John Dorking Mobile 027 558 2948 a/h 03 453 0790 Any contributions to the next newsletter please contact Linda (03) 4891077 email:silverlea3@hotmail.com
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