KANDANGA FARM STORE LEANS IN

First and foremost we exist to showcase and support organic regenerative food production and the passionate people behind it!

Silver bullets – i.e. herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers – are what modern farming relies on, except that reliance results in the one-way flow of funds from the regions to the three worldwide “mega-corporations” who produce those products.

The rural supply model is founded on the farmer’s need for the above cyclical inputs; however it’s a long-term regenerative approach – not silver bullets, that underpin financially viable, enjoyable and truly healthy farm enterprises.

More than that, a regenerative approach to farming can contribute to thriving communities, provide meaningful work and of course healthy landscapes.

Eliminating synthetics from the system can be daunting because we are addicted to them. The key is to focus on what you want – healthy livestock, a viable living, enjoyment, contribution to a healthier planet – rather than what you don’t want – weeds, parasites and debt.

It might seem like a minor detail but it’s fundamental to making decisions because a focus on life and abundance stimulates creative problem solving far more than a focus on fear and control.

For example – if we see weeds as bad we are consumed by how to get rid of them and poisons are highly effective at doing so. But if our focus is on healthy pastures and animals we start asking what is missing from the landscape that makes those weeds show up and we start seeing weeds as messengers and even tools (free!) to build fertility and provide nutritional benefits.

Finding solutions that build soil fertility and improve the natural functions of landscapes is fundamental to regenerative agriculture. Building fertility and biodiversity means more can be produced in less space and with less water. Improving natural functions reduces the need and expense for externally sourced inputs.

The unexpected flow-on impact of approaching farming from a regenerative context is that it creates opportunities – especially for other small businesses.

THE BOS BAG - PROUDLY PRODUCED IN THE MARY VALLEY, QLD

The Bos Bag pictured is an organic buffalo fly control measure that is produced right here in the Mary Valley. That’s jobs and money staying in the area. Thinking creatively has resulted in wonderful collaborations where the waste of one business (out of spec produce) becomes the foundation of another business – hand-made delicious preserves, compost ingredients and energy sources.

The Mary Valley region is perfectly placed to become the ‘Regen Region’ of Australia. Decentralised small scale farming is naturally more resilient and being small means lower costs to entry so more are able to have a go.

Our warm humid summer and mild winter means a diversity of food can be produced and that makes it entirely feasible for us to eat 100% locally. That means lower food miles, better food security and fresher produce. While yield will never match that of the industrial farms, value adding can help to capture more of the retail dollar.

Finally, consumers, from the area, and who are visiting the Valley are looking for unique experiences. There are so many that want to learn about where their food comes from and are willing to pay more for that providence. They understand and can taste the value of food that is produced regeneratively. They are excited for products that are only available here.

Once here these people look for other products and services and this creates opportunities for more small business to develop – you can get a chain store in any big town but you can only get locally made, small scale produce and artisan products in the region they are made.

Rather than the river of funds leaving this region as we buy outside the area and send produce elsewhere for “value adding”, this is your call to action to keep money circulating in our region by shopping local, especially for the things that are grown and produced right here in this beautiful Kabi Kabi country.

Kandanga Farm Store is open 9am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and 8am-2pm Saturday & Sunday.

Pictured below, Kandanga Farm Store's August conference “Carbon and Beyond”, attracted interest from as far away as Roma and Beaudesert. For future events and details visit the website and Facebook.

Front cover features Tim and Amber Scott, knee deep into their organic beef.

Kandanga Farm Store's August 2021 conference “Carbon and Beyond”

Delicious, seasonal meals.

Fresh, healthy produce at the Cafe.

Kandanga Farm Store supports Mary Valley growers.