Local Farmer profile - Tom & Nicole from Misty Creek Agroforestry

Can you introduce yourself to our Santos Organics Community?

What is Misty Creek Agroforestry? A beautiful agriculture that is ecologically, economically and socially sound. A perennial-based system that is attempting to break the mould of the destructive annual agriculture and diet. The food our system produces is optimal for human health while regenerating the land it's on and its surrounding community.

What are you currently growing on your farm, and will you be stocking Santos Organics with?

In our agroforestry, we have a huge diversity of fruit, nut and timber trees, alongside annual veggies and livestock such as chickens and cattle. For example, kiwifruit, bananas, mulberries, stonefruit, macadamia, pecan, pineapples, brussel sprouts, onions, shallots, broccoli, and snow peas. In the short term, we will be stocking Santos with veggies such as Brussel sprouts, onions, broccoli and snow peas.

Do you have a star crop?

Our star crop currently yielding is Brussels sprouts. Our star longer-term crop is kiwifruit, but they are yet to yield. Our farm is in a valley in Booyong, which means we receive regular winter frosts, perfect for Brussels.

Apart from being certified organic, what other alternative methods of farming do you use?

We are not just certified organic but also certified regenerative as well. Certified organic means our food is clean and free of harmful chemicals but has no requirements to improve soil health, water cycles or ecology. Being certified regenerative means, we can prove our claims that our methods of farming are regenerating soil and ecosystems.

What do you love about farming?

I love the challenge of integrating livestock & horticulture and simultaneously being in primary production and direct-to-consumer sales. I also love being outdoors and intimately knowing our land, the weather and the season. Being able to enjoy our own high-quality produce is also a great benefit.

Can you share one of your favourite ways to use something you grow for good health or healthy living?

On a day off, a breakfast treat I make for myself is paleo banana pancakes - just our lady finger bananas blended with our eggs (1:1 ratio) with a generous serving of organic maple syrup. A perfect breakfast ticking all the nutritional boxes, plus a healthy dose of joy!