Raleigh's Jane Campbell has recently been appointed to the Australian Organic Board as its new interim director, taking over from previous board director Leo Watling until his return.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Campbell, who has more than 20 years' organic dairy farming experience, said she was looking forward to taking on the role of Board Director.
"I've always been a passionate advocate for farmers rights given how familiar I am with the numerous challenges of organic farming," she said.
"I also believe in upholding the integrity of the organic industry. Ensuring that consumers recognise the certified organic Bud logo and only look for certified organic products is a vital part of that."
Last August, Jane and her husband Ian expanded into NSW with a new venture, East Coast Sustainable Dairy at Raleigh, which like their other operation, Barambah Organics in Queensland produces a full range of dairy products.
"We have 1060 acres in Raleigh, 15km south of Coffs Harbour, and have really been embraced by the Bellingen community who are very environmentally conscious; we're really excited to be farming in the area," Jane said.
"Ian, who is a qualified rural scientist, has been doing a lot of soil tests in the paddocks, which have revealed that the soils have a high storage of carbon at 6.5 per cent which is due to zero till and treading gently on the land.
"The area is ideal for organic farming, and we hope to expand the business over time and employ more locals."
Recently Bellingen Shire Mayor Dominic King and shire General Manager Liz Jeremy paid a visit to the business at Raleigh and were impressed with the site.
"The council completely embraces both economic development, and smart science-based, organic farming practices," Jane said.
"As we are also custodians of an 80-hectare stunning, pristine sub-tropical rainforest, which has a highly valuable carbon sink, the council has been re-assured that this unique area will be carefully preserved."
The Campbells have been successfully exporting their organic products including milk, cheese, cream and yogurt to numerous countries since 2012 and have won many national and international awards for their produce.
