ORICoop Farmers Stories Organic & Regenerative Investment Cooperative

In the Lenswood Hills of South Australia, this organic farmer of 50 years, combines 6 generations of farming knowledge with an insatiable curiosity and a desire to genuinely observe the apple and cherry trees he stewards for a commercial bounty. He is somewhat of an apple whisperer and far from his self title of being a “silly old bugger on his soapbox” his kernels of wisdom are graceful, gentle and shred only if you desire them.

As a farmer with a 32 year history of organic avocado production in the mid north coast, Sandra is the matriarch of a family business - Plateau Organics.  The business experienced 2 solid years of drought as the entree to the summer fires that decimated both her orchard properties. Ever the optimist - despite high levels of trauma, she held her mettle for the sake of those around her and continued steadily, one day at a time. Despite the devastation, there are definitely silver linings and with a galvanised desire to continue farming she is leaving a legacy of knowledge we are all grateful for.

With integrity and a deep commitment to their community Kay and Gregg Saarinen had been farming and creating their Saarinen Organics skincare range according to permaculture principles for 20 years, when the 2019 Black Summer fires wreaked havoc on their land, business and mental health.  They decided to pack up and start a new life somewhere else, but with just the right help and by taking things slowly, one year on, they have a renewed vigour for the way they grow and a desire to keep producing their wares and seek new and innovative ways to package, produce and please their exceptionally loyal customers