Recent meetings between organic and biodynamic beef producers in Western Australia’s south west have resulted in the formation of a producer co-operative called Organic & Bio-Dynamic Meats of Western Australia Pty Limited. The farmer-members are developing a continuous supply of meat for the organic and biodynamic market. The co-operative was launched in October 2007.

THE ORGANIC Meats Co-operative came about when organic farmer and olive grower Peter Gaebler, from Mumballup, was fed up having to sell his NASAA certified organic cattle on the conventional market because there wasn’t a certified abattoir close by.

Peter took the initiative to approach Dardanup Butchering Company, where general manager Brian Pittendreigh proved to be very supportive, primarily because DBC had been receiving increasing enquiries about the availability of organic and biodynamic meat. With the assistance of NASAA, DBC is now certified to slaughter, bone and dress, cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and goats. This NASAA certification also covers animals from farms with other recognised certifications, both organic and biodynamic.

Learning that DBC had obtained certification, Steven McCoy, the development officer for organic food and farming at the Department of Agriculture & Food, contacted the abattoir to see who would be supplying meat to them and if this was being developed in any orderly way. At this point Steve realised that the growers could use some help to become organised and develop the market. As he had already compiled a list of organic and biodynamic cattle producers he contacted them and began to convene meetings to determine whether these growers were interested in working together.

In short, through the enthusiasm and passion of these producers, the Organic and Biodynamic Meats WA Co-operative was formed in October 2007. The co-operative now has 18 members, incuding beef and lamb producers who farm in the south west region of WA from in and around Denmark, Katanning, Kojonup, Donnybrook, Margaret River, Pinjarra and Williams, to name just a few.

All farms are organic or biodynamic certified, where livestock naturally graze pasture without the use of synthetic chemicals, growth hormones, antibiotics or intensive feedlot grain diets. All meat is MSA quality graded for taste and tenderness, naturally high in Omega 3 and Vitamin E and can be purchased from select butchers and restaurants.

More information
Donna Kehlet, group co-ordinator
M 0408 858 199
E organicmeats@iinet.net.au
www.organicmeats.com.au