Qld farm wins gold for organic corn
May 21, 2009
Bauer’s Organic Farm near Gatton has trumped other fresh produce entrants at the Vogue Entertainment and Travel Produce Awards with its organic corn.
Australian certified organic sweet corn from the Queensland farm won a gold medal in the nation-wide competition, sparking excitement in the organic fresh produce sector.
Owner Rob Bauer says he is thrilled the taste and texture of traditionally grown corn is still classified as a winner.
"To win an award for our organic sweet corn in such a well-respected event – spanning hundreds of entries of all types of foods, not just certified organic, from all around Australia - is a wonderful result," he says.
Bauer says "going organic" has helped keep the quality of his kernels high.
"It’s grown in strong soil nurtured without synthetic chemicals – the Lockyer Valley naturally has some of the best soil in the world - perfect for robust crops and healthy plants," he says.
"We take farm visitors out into the field to try a raw cob picked fresh from the stalk, and they say the taste is mouth watering."
Biological Farmers of Australia General Manager, Holly Vyner, says Bauer is an outstanding example of an organic farmer who is helping raise the profile of the organic industry.
"Rob is recognised throughout the organic industry as a leader in organic production and marketing," she says.
"The Bauer’s have gone beyond their role as primary producers to tirelessly promote their produce and organics in general at events all around Australia."
Bauer says the sweet corn is known as ‘grandma’s corn’, as a tribute to his grandmother Norah Bauer, who helped on the family farm which was established in 1885.
He says he is proud to have converted the farm to organic, selling his produce to people seeking a better quality of life.
"I was never comfortable with sending food that had been sprayed to market," he says.
The winning produce will be featured at Greenfest 2009, where it will be used in a chef demonstration at the Brisbane City Botanic Garden’s from June 5 to 7.