Can you introduce yourself to our Santos Organics Community?
We are young regenerative farmers working alongside Nature. Our Regenerative farming methods are based on soil rejuvenation & creating diverse microclimates. Our focus on soil health increases nutrient density in our produce thus growing good quality food.
Our mission is to connect and live in harmony with Earth; inspiring fellow families and farmers to give back to Nature, tune into the natural cycles & leave this place better than we found it. Implementing regenerative agriculture practices instead of monoculture.
What are you currently growing on your farm?
We are growing a variety of fruits such as different types of bananas, citrus, jackfruit, plum, jaboticaba, acerola, pitanga, starfruit, lychee, fig, black sapote and white sapote, mulberry, mango, avocado, apples, pomegranate, ice cream bean, blueberries, papaya, tamarillo, pineapple, rosella.
Root crops such as multiple varieties of cassava, potatoes, taro, yam, ginger, turmeric, galangal.
As well as lots of vegetables & herbs interplanted such as beans, zucchini, garlic, corn, rocket, collard greens, russian kale, japanese spinach, rosemary, organo, parsley, coriander, edible flowers, cranberry hibiscus, lavender, yarrow, elderflower, mugwort and more.
All of our above produce is grown seasonally and interplanted within our 4 year old agroforestry system, organically.
Do you have a star crop?
We love our food forest and cherish all that is grown within it. But if we were to choose a 'star' it would be Cassava. Our cassava is always high quality & yields well.
Apart from being organic, what other alternative methods of farming do you use?
We use several regenerative practices such as Korean natural farming - JADAM, syntropic, permaculture & agroforestry. All of which focus on soil health, diversity & regenerative approach.
What do you love about farming?
The connection with Mother Earth, community & the greater existence of all living things. The simplicity within the natural world; a beautiful reminder of what life is truly about. It is good to be a regenerative farmer knowing that you are giving back to Nature and all creatures on the planet; without farmers there would be no food and it is rewarding to be able to be a part of something bigger than oneself.
Can you share one of your favourite ways to use something you grow for good health or healthy living?
Utilising all of our produce is such a fun part of being farmers. We craft herbal medicines, wellness products such as infusions, tinctures, salves, herbal teas and so much more. Making homemade DIY products from scratch, minimising ingredients & consumerism.
We love to preserve, ferment, pickle & cook lots of yummy creative seasonal dishes for our families and friends. Cassava gnocchi is bomb!