Local food-related events
Local small food plant business looking for space in Nillumbik/Banyule
Richard writes: “We are looking to rent 100m2 to build a unheated hoophouse to grow seedlings using the soil block method. We trade under the name KABUU. It stands for Creating a Better World.
Our current project is making and growing soil block seedlings for sale to raise funds to start our 1st urban market garden. Soil blocks are a more sustainable alternative to plastic pots/punnets. Our seedlings are of high quality because they are grown in certified organic compost. We use inputs allowed for certified organic production. We do not use herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. If this interests you, please contact kabuu_richard@outlook.com.
KABUU’s main objectives are to create urban market gardens and community gardens on currently under-utilised spaces. This allows us to produce and supply hyperlocal, fresh, healthy and affordable food to communities. In turn, this creates green spaces and facilitates social interactions.“
Fermentation workshop, Montmorency
Petra Hyam will lead you through the making of sourdough bread, kefir and kombucha. You will take home a kombucha starter, sourdough starter, water kefir grains, loaf of freshly baked bread, dough ready to bake at home and recipes. Sunday, July 20, 12pm-4pm, Montmorency South Primary School. Cost $95. Contact Fiona 0412 099397 or fiona@riverofplenty.com.au.
Other food activities/information
Bulk purchase of avocados from Local Organics
Local Organics is an ethical/local/inclusive food system that is on the ground making practical positive change. They have been operating for 4 years working directly with Victorian organic farmers. One of their values is responding to farmers’ needs by marketing and distributing fresh 2nd graded produce (big, small, marked, bent), what is in seasonal over-supply, or what is not traditionally valued in the mainstream system. Bacon variety avocados fall into the latter as they are more delicate to transport and store than Hass or other firm skinned varieties. However, this can be minimised by gentle handling and good storage, and the taste and benefits of Bacon avocados are amazing. They are selling the Bacon avocados bulk to groups in 17 kg boxes for $89.95 ($5.30 per kg).
Western District organic growers
Today I visited the small help-yourself farmgate shop of Foothill Organics in Yeo, near Colac. Joe Sgro, the grower, also supplies CERES with produce for their veggie boxes. Meanwhile I bought beetroot, chat potatoes, cauliflower (for pickling), sweet potato, broccoli and some peas to keep me going. And here is a story behind the Birregurra eggs I bought!
If you are visiting the Colac area over the school holidays, you may like to investigate Otway Harvest Trailfor more ideas.