Rod Bruin, Summit Organics
Summit Organics is located in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Their farm is thirty kilometres west of the town of Murwillumbah, and eight kilometres beyond the historic village of Tyalgum which is known locally as the ‘Heart of the Caldera.’ In this sub-tropical region of NSW’s Northern Rivers, Mount Warning-Wollumbin and its surrounding ‘caldera’ are remnants of the long-extinct and enormous Tweed Volcano.
Summit Organics is owned by Rod and Tania Bruin, and their farm comprises 128 hectares (338 acres). This property is located right next to the World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park and commands absolutely stunning views. The vegetable production area is an intensive market garden and utilises approximately 2.5 hectares. |
The farm is certified with Australian Certified Organic , is subject to the Australian Organic Standards, and is audited annually.
They produce more than fifty different vegetable and herb crops in a year. They are marketed through New Brighton Farmers’ Market (Tuesdays), Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market (Fridays) and the Gold Coast Organic Farmers Market (Sundays) at Miami State High School. Summit Organics originally started out as Summit Coffee Plantations when they were producers of the first ‘Certified Organic’ coffee to be grown and processed in Australia. |
Approximately 15 years ago they decided to focus on organic vegetables. Our first vegetable crop was sweet potatoes which we sold at the Lismore Organic Market. This first, small taste of success gave us the confidence to gradually increase the range of crops.
Summit Organics are actively involved in education and training. They regularly host Farm Walks on the property, teaching interested people about organic farming and soil care. Regular attendees include: Organic Agriculture students from TAFE; Permaculture students; and of course many of our market customers.
Rod continues to be invited to speak at various organic forums, film nights and related activities held throughout the region.
Visit the Summit Organics webpage and Facebook.
Rod continues to be invited to speak at various organic forums, film nights and related activities held throughout the region.
Visit the Summit Organics webpage and Facebook.