Number 58 Map 4 The Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail Maps
Thirteen years ago, Margie and Shaun Carrick bought a 6 1/4 acre property in Binalong Road Belimba Park (via The Oaks).
During the 1950s and '60s the property had been a pome fruit (apples and pears) orchard at a time when heavy chemicals were used to control disease. Sometime in the late 60s or 70s the trees had been pulled out and the property had fallen into disuse.
Margie and Shaun were committed to developing the property using strict organic guidelines. In order to become certified they followed Australian standards which mean a one year period of pre certification. This was followed by two years "in conversion" where they could market products as being organic. At the end of this three year period their property was certified organic. One requirement of having an organic property which I was unaware of is the need to leave 5% of the property to nature's own devices. The Carricks have 33% of their property devoted to this requirement - largely centred around their dam.
The property is inspected every year and soil tests are conducted. The odd unannounced visit can also take place. The Carricks are certified under NASAA - the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia. All certifiers in Australia follow the same standards as laid down by the Australian Standards for Organic Agriculture.
The Carricks raise chickens and these are also checked. The chickens need to spend 8 hours free ranging, be fed certified organic feed and be provided with appropriate shelter, shade and water.
Margie is quietly spoken yet clearly dedicated to the ethos of raising certified organic produce.
"After all," she says " It is the buyers only guarantee of a farmer's integrity," referring to the effort involved in maintaining certification.
The farm has the same elevation as Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains. It means that it can get quite cold in their part of the world and Margie has noticed the odd frost. In winter she planted garlic on the shortest day of the year and will harvest it on the longest day of the year. Other winter crops are broadbeans, rocket and lettuces.
The summers are very hot and during that season Margie grows heirloom tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, herbs, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Margie describes her garden as essentially being a large kitchen garden. The lucky recipients of a good deal of the produce are her own family but also the guests who stay in the accommodation which Pine End also provides. She and Shaun only sell produce to the public when they have a glut which ensures extra freshness!
People who stay with the Carricks are generally there because they are interested in the farm and produce. They are made to feel completely at home and part of the family's routines and life.
Eggs and honey - the couple have a number of hives on the property - are the main source of income - and in fact they cannot keep up with demand.
The public can find the Carricks at the Wollondilly Harvest Markets on the first Sunday of each month or alternatively can come to the property.
As if there wasn't enough to do (Shaun works shift work as well!), four years ago Margie started to make cheese and now runs very popular cheese making workshops.
Above and below photos courtesy of Margie Carrick
Thirteen years Margie and Shaun moved to this property from Sydney suburbia. They were not aware of the seasons and seasonal produce. They would go to the supermarket and not think twice about where the produce they were buying had come from.
Now they are inextricably linked to the land and the seasons. It is not an easy life and they work very hard to make a living from their efforts.
My sense is that they would not have it any other way.
For further information please go to www.pineend.com
35 Binalong Road
Belimba Park (via the Oaks)
ph.02 4657 2176
Please visit the Hawkesbury Harvest website.
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