Byron Bay Proves Fertile Ground for Organic Industry Leaders
The team from Santos Organics, finalist in the Retailer of the Year category.
Two finalists in the 2024 Australian Organic Industry Awards have emerged from Byron Bay, signifying the strength of the certified organic movement in the fertile Northern Rivers region.
Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), this year’s awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the conclusion of the two-day Australian Organic Conference, held at Pullman Melbourne on the Park on 7-8 March.
Santos Organics has been named as a finalist in the Retailer of the Year category and Lindsey Rogers from Conscious Ground Organics is in the running for the Organic Woman of the Year title.
In the past year Santos and Conscious Ground have teamed up to offer 100% certified organic farm-to-table meals and snacks through Santos’ three cafes, with produce harvested fresh from the Conscious Ground farm and prepared in its commercial kitchen, using supplementary organic ingredients supplied by Santos.
Santos Organics has also initiated a Grow the Growers project, assisting eight farmers financially to transition to certified organic production.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, said while Byron Bay is renowned for its beaches and tourist attractions, it has also long been a source of innovation and excellence in certified organic food production. Ms Ford said:
Santos Organics and Conscious Ground are just two of the proactive businesses helping to grow the certified organic sector in the Byron Bay region, and we’re excited to showcase their achievements as finalists in the awards.
Since its inception in 1978, Santos Organics has grown its not-for-profit business to an annual revenue of around $12 million through sales in its stores and cafes, an online shop that ships Australia-wide, and B2B accounts with local resorts, retreats, caterers, cafes and food manufacturers.
Since becoming an NFP in 2016, Santos Organics has made substantial donations to more than 30 local community and environmental organisations in the Northern Rivers region, and assisted with recovery from extreme weather events.
One year ago it started the Grow the Growers project, supporting Northern Rivers farms to gain organic certification and contributing financial assistance towards the initial costs.
Santos Organics Chair, Mark Napper, explained:
The project has supported eight farmers to transition to certified organic and given them the opportunity to sell their produce across our three stores in the Byron shire. Grow the Growers broadens our local certified organic supplier base as well. Our three cafes support suppliers dedicated to organics, including Caldera Coffee, Byron Organic Kitchen and Conscious Ground, to offer products which all contain 90 - 100% certified organic ingredients.
Santos and Conscious Ground have collaborated online, in-store and on radio to share and celebrate the quality, benefits and opportunities in organic food and farming.
Conscious Ground Organics is a certified organic farm dedicated to regenerating land and providing healthy, affordable produce for the Northern Rivers community. Market Garden Manager, Lindsey Rogers, has earned a finalist nomination in the Organic Woman of the Year Award.
Ms Rogers’ role extends beyond traditional market garden management, with exceptional commitment to a holistic and sustainable approach to plant health, community education and the production of premium quality food and flowers.
She manages a full female team of market gardeners, half of whom are new to the organic farming industry, with her efforts to create a team of varied backgrounds and experiences helping break down barriers and challenge stereotypes within the organic farming industry.
She has also run several work experience initiatives with female school students aged 12 to 15, to inspire a new generation of women to consider and pursue careers in organic farming.
This year’s Australian Organic Industry Awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the conclusion of the two-day Australian Organic Conference, held at Pullman Melbourne on the Park on 7-8 March.
Lindsey Rogers from Conscious Ground Organics, finalist in the Organic Woman of the Year category at the 2024 Australian Organic Industry Awards.
More about Australian Organic Limited (AOL)
Australian Organic Limited (AOL) is the peak industry body engaging with government and industry to promote the commercial and social interests of those who are certified and protect the integrity of the sector against fraud and misleading organics. AOL has been at the foundation of organics since 1987 and is identified by the most recognised mark in Australia, the Australian Certified Organic 'Bud' logo. This trademark signals the highest of integrity and is recognised by 64 per cent of Australian consumers.