You can also view the short video of the day by visiting, http://www.vimeo.com/21676745

 

OBDA for the first time invited one of its supporters to co-host a Field Day. Food Connect Adelaide is a “Community Supported Agriculture” (CSA) scheme and shares OBDA’s interest in linking growers of healthy food with consumers who care about how their food is grown.

 

Graeme and Fiona Schultz opened up their Organic apple orchard and packing shed in Forest Range on what was a beautiful autumn day and over 200 adults and children took full advantage of the various activities on offer.

 

Inside the packing shed, two speakers gave an excellent account of their knowledge in their respective fields. Bryan McLeod, principal and director of Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratories (APAL) gave an expansive talk on the challenges of Australian soils, their unique mineralogy and the close relationship between soil health and the nutritional value of the food grown in them. 

 

Anton Van Klopper of Lucy Margaux Vineyards from Basket Range spoke of the secrets to his apple cider wine and was kind enough to provide samplings for anyone interested.

 

Out in the orchard, apple trees laden with ripening fruit provided a picture-perfect backdrop while Graeme and Fiona explained how process and benefits of their organic management worked, paying particular attention to the benefits of mulching.

 

Children were entertained and educated by the activities on offer. Stories were told, games such as piñata and apple bobbing entertained while others were amazed at the honey operation run by Kym Schultz.

 

The day was made complete by a satisfying lunch with organic pies and pasties supplied by Eve’s Bakery of Glenelg with salads provided by Organic Point and Monika’s Organics. Cheeses, pastry puffs, quark and milk supplied by BD Farms Paris Creek were a highlight.

 

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of those volunteers from OBDA and Food Connect Adelaide for the work put in before and on the day. The day was also made possible by funding provided by the Mt Lofty Natural Management Resource Board

 

If you would like to learn more about what Food Connect Adelaide does, visit their website, www.foodconnectadelaide.com.au .