Kauri Ora Farms
Food Production
We’ve selected one central paddock for food production. A 900sqm food forest greenhouse at the heart of our food production system provides a level of crop security as well as extended seasons and specialty produce.
Organic Standards
According to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), organic agriculture includes avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, antibiotics, growth promotants, genetic modification and irradiation.
As organic production cannot rely on using external inputs, organic agriculture must return to practices based on living ecological systems that support the life cycle of all living things. Organic agriculture may include practices such as composting, mulching, cover-cropping, crop rotation, using organic fertilisers, selecting crop types suitable to the region, implementing biological controls for weeds and pests, and minimal tillage of the soil.
The overall wellbeing of people and natural ecosystems are interconnected and go hand-in-hand. In the age of highly processed ‘fast’ foods involving industrial processes, we believe in returning to the soil and the roots to create a truly sustainable foundation for our physical, mental and spiritual health.
How do we grow our produce?
At Kauri Ora Farms, we source certified organic seeds and seedlings where possible and aim to save and use 100% of our seed. We make our own compost to return to the soil and enhance fertility and soil microbiology.
We grow our produce using natural or naturally derived fertilisers and pesticides such as seaweed, compost, gypsum, potassium based soap, vinegar and sulphur and follow practices such as companion planting, mulching and crop rotation to manage pests and diseases as best as we can. Regular maintenance practices such as trimming and washing plants helps to keep pests and disease at bay.
Not all of our inputs are certified organic depending on viability and feasibility (such as our straw mulch and some seeds/seedlings). However, we will never apply highly toxic chemicals on or near our produce.
We are not certified organic which means we can provide healthy, local produce at a more affordable price, direct from farm to plate. While we recognise the level of authentication that organic certification brings, rather than exporting our produce overseas or stocking in supermarket shelves, our priority is to grow non-toxic, high-quality and affordable produce to contribute to food security for ourselves and for the local community, while encouraging people to create relationships with their local farmers and market gardeners based on trust and reciprocity.
GROWING SYSTEMS
Greenhouse
Our greenhouse is the main attraction and food production centre of Kauri Ora Farms. The intentional selection of heat-retaining materials has helped to create a warm environment without external heat sources, even in the middle of winter. Because of this, we are able to grow a range of sub-tropical and tropical plants such as papaya, pineapple, passionfruit and starfruit all year round in and amongst more common vegetable varieties. We’re not a big fan of straight lines and monotony, and while this might mean we compromise on space, we wanted to create a space that has an organic feel to it. The idea behind the greenhouse was to create a paradisical indoor food forest and a unique, lush and peaceful environment where one can sit, observe, and meaningfully connect with the food that is grown.
Outdoor Gardens & orchards
We also have dedicated areas outside the greenhouse for growing a range of staple vegetable crops (such as onions, garlic and root vegetables) throughout the year as well as a selection of fruit, nut and citrus trees. Our outdoor vegetable gardens are all in raised beds.
We have ultic (clay) soil on the farm which has proven to be challenging for growing productively and are continuously learning and working on building up our soil fertility and drainage so that these outdoor areas can be reliably productive.
Poultry
Currently, we have around 70 free range pasture-raised hens (Sussex, Rhode Island Red, Brown Shavers) that we integrate into our growing areas by moving them around in a transportable chicken caravan. They help keep the grass short, suppress the weeds and create fertile soil. We collect and use the manure for our compost heap. We’re also rewarded with fresh eggs daily!
Although we also graze sheep on our farm, they’re not integrated into our food production area, but we do also collect sheep manure when we can.