OBDA Field Day At Plamen and Sonya Paraskevov

On March 25, over 80 consumers, retailers and farmers attended a farm tour at a certified organic strawberry and vegetable farm at Gumeracha, on a property managed by local growers Plamen and Sonya Paraskevov. The event was organised by the Organic Biodynamic Alliance (OBDA) and was opened by South Australian Federal independent Senator Nick Xenophon. who addressed the group regarding current food and agriculture issues including:

• Country of Origin food labelling
• Genetic modification of foods, and
• Enforcing new labelling regulations of certified organic produce to eliminate abuse of this within the food system by non-organic food producers and manufacturers

The farm tour is part of a series of farm tours that have been held by OBDA over recent years, the aim of which is to educate consumers about how and where their food grows. Last year over 200 people attended a tour held at a farm orchard on Graeme and Fiona Schultzs property.

Incoming OBDA president, Monika Fiebig said "In 2012, the Year of the Farmer, it is becoming critical that retailers and consumers understand and support local agriculture. We are hoping to build on our success in engaging with people about certified organic agriculture and good food with further tours in future."

Senator Nick Xenophon

Perhaps best known for his “No Pokies” stance, Nick has also been a strong supporter of Australian food producers, the environment, fair and equitable use of water that includes an acknowledgment of past and ongoing efforts made by South Australian irrigators, food labelling such that it is truthful, understandable and meaningful to a consumer including mandatory labelling of food that contains Genetically Modified Content regardless of the percentage and the continuation of the GM ban in South Australia. Nick is also very much aware of food security and wants tougher laws on sale of agricultural land to overseas interests.

For more information about Senator Nick Xenophon, his new and/or other campaigns, visit his website. For specific information on

• the Food Labelling campaign
• strengthening laws relating to sale of agricultural land to overseas interests