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Our philosophy has always been to show we can grow reasonably big commercial quantities or organic produce and have it sustain a business .
- Manna Farms co-owner David Keens
Biodynamic farming explained in a nutshell
Biodynamic farming is an enhanced or alternative method of organic farming , which relied on the principle that healthy soils produce healthy crops . Originally based on a series of lectures given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 , over the last century biodynamic agriculture had evolved to include many non-conventional farming practices such as crop rotation , polyculture , and cover cropping which are proven by science .
LEFT : Manna Farms co-owner David Keens in the biodynamic orchard . BELOW : Cover crops provide valuable benefits for soil health , water retention and weed control . and organic fertilisers . Taking all this into consideration , for David and Rob , profitability is probably very similar to a conventional almond farm . While maintaining a successful business is important , David wholeheartedly believes that biodynamics is something that you need to love and understand . “ To some extent , it ’ s a labour of love . If you don ’ t believe in it , I don ’ t know that you ’ ll do it well ," he said . In addition to carrying on their family legacy , David and Rob are motivated to do the right thing for people and the planet . The brothers strive to meet the moral or ethical needs of their customers , with a Continued page 17 industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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