Our local
growers, Second Nature Organics now has an online organic store.
The farm
has been in the Costantini family since the 1950s. Pioneers, Mike and Betty
Costantini settled in Narangba, north of Brisbane. Mike was a farmer in his
home region of Abruzzo, Italy.
It is now
an Australian Organic, A-Grade certified organic farm. The farm produces a
variety of small crops, including kale, silver beet, cucumbers tomatoes, beans,
eggplants and herbs.
In
addition, the farm hosts educational tours and open days. This is all part of
sharing their commitment and passion for organics, good food and health.
‘We love
our name Second Nature”, says Farm Manager, Elicia O’Brien.
“We think
it’s only natural to be able to enjoy quality, wholesome food.
“I’m proud
to be an organic grower, and making such an important difference to people’s
lives”, she says.
Second
Nature is not your average farm. There
is a deep-rooted passion here to be connected to the community.
As part of
that vision, the farm offers employment and training opportunities for young
people with disabilities.
Working
with disability employment provider, the team hosts horticultural students.
Furthermore, it offers employment experience to those in need.
This is a
strong reflection of the farm’s philosophy of inclusiveness.
Participants
undertake a variety of tasks including planting, picking, watering, applying
organic fertilisers and mulch and helping manage pests and weeds.
All of this
supports the production of certified organic produce, home delivered to local
customers through the company’s online store www.secondnatureorganics.com.au
The store offers
everything grown at the farm at farm-gate prices. This means fresh, local
organic produce. In addition, it also offers a vast selection of certified
organic and natural products.
The fresh
organic deliveries are to the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gold Coast
and Northern New South Wales regions.
As a
result, the community can now support job placements for young people with
disabilities.
Every box
sold helps to create employment and training opportunities for young
locals.
“Organics
is ideal for anyone who values their health and people with health conditions
who need a chemical-free diet and lifestyle, says Elicia.
“Our online
store offers products from our farm and from other certified organic producers.
“The result
is a superb selection of customers of organic foods and lifestyle products”,
she says.
Second
Nature’s organic farming techniques are all about keeping it simple and we have
a 4 stage philosophy. This includes Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants, Healthy
Food and Healthy Environment.
At the
farm, a simple four-stage philosophy is adopted.
This starts
with healthy soils – nutrient enriched and full of life.
Then come
Healthy plants – dense with nutrients because they are grown the old fashioned
way. Healthy plants are more-able to fend off pests and diseases. This means
less need for sprays.
It’s only
natural, that healthy plants create healthy food. Food that is dense with the
vital nutrients we all need for optimum alkalinity and health.
Finally,
organics is also about respect for the environment. No toxic agricultural
chemicals are here to enter and pollute the soil waterways. Rather, the earth
is enriched and respected.
“Like all
organic farms, nothing is easy. For example, it’s harder and takes more work to
grow things organically.
“But we just wouldn’t
have it any other way”, says Elicia