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of organic farms used in the study averaged 755ha, against 728ha average for the con- ventional farms. The difference in yield be- tween the two was-only 0,1 tonnes per hec- tare, so there is only a minimal loss of output involved in switching to organic production, although it takes‘around 5 years to make the transition. As well as there being little difference in yield there are savings on costs like fertilis- ers, pesticides, machinery and equipment. Even in those cases where sustainable agri- culture is more labour intensive - which is not as common as widely believed - the costs savings make up the difference. There is therefore no reason why well-managed or- ganic farms cannot compete - while provid- AR E Yy 0 U (STILL) ing more local employment. The president of Th @ N EW C OAST 3 the Biological Farmers Association said that EATING POISON? interest has increased dramatically in the last i x two years. The industry is largely self-regulating, THERE ARE OVER 200 DEVELOP-_ | ORGANIC FOOD HAS MOVED INTO but organic ea. ax set be MENT PROJECTS PLANNED OR UN- THE MAINSTREAM. The demand for ~ an approval system to ensure that land is free DER DEVELOPMENT ON THE Aus- organic produce is growing at a remarkable of chemical residues. The National Associa- TRALIAN EAST COAST NORTH OF rate, and those farms supplying it cannot tion for Sustainable Agriculture is develop- NEWCASTLE. In Queensland 32 major produce enough. Over the last decade tum- ing a series of classifications for produce, tourist projects are underway, another 41 are over in health food stores has trebled to $300 rang.ng from grown without chemicals in planned and 30 housing developments pro- million a year through an estimated 1,500 soil free of chemical residues down to lower posed, Coffs Harbour shire has 14 projects outlets in Australia. Many supermarkets grades. planned or under construction. have introduced health food sections, Studies in the US have also found that The wetlands and mangroves threatened | Woolworths describing the growth of their —_—_ organic farms can have yields and profits by much of this development are essential section as “continued and substantial”. Asa as high as chemical-using farms. At pres- breeding grounds for birds and fish. As a result organic produce is being imported to ent about 1.5% of America’s farms are or- recurring resource they are vital to the future. meet demand. ganic, but the level is expected toreach up to The Queensland Commercial Fisherman’s Suburban Melboume in particular is 9% in the next few years as the shift to Association is so concerned about the poten- seeing an influx of organic foods, with fruit organic methods gathers pace. In a survey by tial for damage to fish stocks that it has shops in some areas going organic or creating Organic Farming magazine 84% of Ameri- employed environmentalists up and down | Ofganic foods sections to stem the flowof cans said they would eat organic ‘food if the coast to help in preparing the case for the customers to health food outlets. The general available and 49% said they would pay more defence against development projects. rise in fruit and vegetable prices due to recent for it. Over the past 6 months 20 US super- In Port Macquarie the Hastings Munici- climatic instability is also making organic market chains have begun stocking organic pal Council says that by taking an active role foods more competitive. produce in response to increasing consumer in tourism itcan stop developments that harm Ms demand. the environment. Port Macquarie has 51% of Orga nic Effi Cc i en cy A Sydney Morning Herald survey of its land in foreshore reserves, national parks 1,000 people around Australia ‘found that and wildlife reservations and has limited ORGANIC FARMING, OR SUSTAIN- 83% would prefer their food without high rise development. The council is plan- ABLE AGRICULTURE, in Australia is chemicals and were prepared to pay more for ning more than $100 million worth of short- mostly in the fruit and vegetable, poultry and it. Men are less concerned than women about term development (a hospital, a 150 unit grain industries. It is estimated that several chemicals in food - 78% compared to 88% - hotel and anew RSL) which it hopes will act hundred farmers may now be fully converted but there is little difference between Labor as a catalyst for $2 billion worth of tourist- to organic production. A study by Ms Els and Liberal voters, National Party supporters related development. Wynen of Latrobe University has shown that are less concerned, 31% believing that the The largest planned resort is a 60ha $750 the usual charge of being uneconomic when use of chemicals is sensible and safe. By age million project at Port Shores by local devel- compared with conventional farming is not groups people between 25 and 54 are most oper Brian Tierney. Hastings Council’ re- true for sustainable agriculture. In some concerned. The results of this survey show jected the original plans because they devas- cases it can be more efficient than-conven- how strong community: awareness of the tated wetlands and mangrove. The new tional farming. . issue is; only 2% said they didn’t know if scheme involves building a resort next to an The study compared farmers of both they preferred their food grown and proc- artificial lake well away from these areas, types operating similar size farms producing essed without chemicals. with a small tourist/residential development the same crops. One surprising figure that on.the Hastings River. emerged from the research was that the size SMH, AFR & Wall St Journal 4 Corners & AFR SMH, AFR & Wall St Journal 4 Corners & AFR NEXUS New Times Nine - Spring 1989