Sunday Organic Markets Archives - Northey Street City Farm

February 22, 2018 by Ronni Martin

New stalls and talks at Organic Farmers Market

Free talks and demonstrations, on during the Market in March.

11th March from 9am to 11am : Christin Zeller from Five Elements Coaching is presenting “Tackling Stress and Worry”, under the office, during the Market.

18th March from 9am Food for Thought is back! Chef Glen Barrett will be giving you his hot cooking tips and taking you through his weekly seasonal shop. Sarah Follet from Baked Livingness, an expert in gluten free and dairy free cooking will be doing a talk and cooking demo.

More to be announced! Follow us on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/northeystorganicmarket/

New stalls

The Brisbane City Council are appearing at the markets this weekend, 25th February 2018. They are looking for feedback regarding the future of Brisbane’s transport. Here’s your chance to assist by having a chat or filling out a survey.

Verity from Nadurtha is starting on the 4th March selling organic, Australian made, non-toxic deodorant.

We have a new food hub near Glorious Organics, that’s buzzing with new seating, stalls and music. James and Andrea from Phoenix Family Cafe started a couple of weeks ago and are killing it- be sure to try their wholesome breakfasts, grab a Parkers Juice or a coffee from Wandering Man Espresso’s cart. FYI, they are one of the only cafes around that don’t charge extra for vegan or dairy free alternatives- almond, soy or coconut milk – and will take 50 cents off your purchase if you bring your own coffee cup! Your wallet and the environment thanks you.

Valentine’s Day Hamper Winner

Congrats to Kirsty Reed on winning the NSCF Markets Valentine’s Day Hamper! It was a pleasure to meet you and we love that the hamper will be enjoyed by someone in the community. Thanks to all who participated.

And the next in our series of interviews with our stallholders:

Siobian from A-Zumble-Zay

Siobian is a maker of incredible handmade soft leather shoes, practical and beautiful leather bags, and one of a kind hand-crafted felt products using only the best Australian merino wool, alpaca, angora and cashmere. She also sells hats, belts, purses, jewelry, scarves, soaps and games.

How did you start working with leather?

I’ve always been a maker. I describe myself as a Maker, Creator, Instigator. My earliest memories revolve around creating and constructing. My Mother was a very good leatherworker and I learnt much more than I realised from her, and from playing with leather and other materials. I tend to cycle through various natural mediums, (fiber, wood, metal, clay, stone, fire, glass, etc.), and understanding the innate qualities of each promotes growth and experimentation. My work is continually evolving which keeps the passion alive. I love combining various materials and cross pollination of techniques.

Tell us more about the science behind soft soles for healthy feet! 😊
There are 4 main benefits:

Fit: The shoes I make are designed to fit the feet rather than the foot fit the shoe. So many shoes today require us to squeeze into shoes which are too narrow and bind the foot much like Chinese foot binding, just not as extreme. Try tracing around your foot then place a shoe over the tracing. Almost all adult feet I see show signs of distortion. Amazingly though I have witnessed over time feet returning towards what nature intended.

Feet move the way nature intended: Our feet are amazing. If your foot is restricted and supported then the joints, the ligaments, bones and muscles can’t move freely and do the job they were created to. People who walk/ run barefoot tend to walk much softer which places less strain on the joints. They move and place their feet in a more natural way.

Earthing or Grounding: Whether you believe or not is up to you, but basically we are electrical beings. Our nerves and synapses are electrical. The Earth is magnetic. Have you ever been zapped by a build-up in static electricity?

Proprioception: Immediate feedback as to where you are in space and stimulation of the nerves on the bottom of your feet. Plus you get a great foot massage as you walk. The increased blood flow and stimulus has been scientifically linked to better balance and more recently information is coming to light re the reduction of alzheimers severity. Disclaimer-I’m not medically trained. Make your own mind up. If you do intend to transition it is important to take time and listen to your body. It is not something you can rush.

Wow, that’s fascinating. You spend most Sundays at the markets, what’s your favourite market snack?

Either an OHK omelette or fresh seasonal fruit from any of the produce stalls.

Yes, those omelettes! What’s the best thing about working for yourself?

The flexibility when my children were younger was a great advantage. Also, creativity doesn’t work 9-5. It pops into your head at all hours.

And your youngest just finished year 12! Congrats! What do you love about NSCF Farmers Markets?

I love the community, the customers and the stallholders. They care. They are passionate about life, good clean unadulterated food, a sense of community and our environment. And most importantly, they are doing something positive about it. I have learnt so much and I am continuing to make changes thanks to the NSCF community.

January 30, 2018 by Ronni Martin

Veganic Farmers at NSCF markets

An interview with Kim Accardi, Northey Street stall holder and vegan farmer.

Check out Kim Accardi and Chris Spencer’s sensational preserves and seasonal produce at the Northey Street City Farm Markets every Sunday from 6.30 to 11 am.

How did your love of Organics start?
My love for animals and nature was where it all began. The more I learnt about conservation, horticulture and cruelty free living, the more interested I became in organics. I began researching the effects of pesticides and herbicides not long after I became interested in gardening. Herbicides such as glyphosate and the effects they have, not only on the environment but also potentially to our own health and the health of our families and furry friends. I had always made sure my own garden and home grown veggies were pesticide free so I believe it was a natural transition into organics. Permaculture was what really sucked me in. I loved the concept of strategic planting to supply nutrients and to control pests.

Tell us more about your veganic farming methods, and are there any other Vegan Farms in operation that you know of?
Our objective is to grow produce with the least harm, not only to the environment but to all animals. This means we do not use any animal manure, blood and bone, eggshells, fish emulsion, etc.

Key aspects to successful Veganic farming are: careful planning of annual ‘bed’ rotation, green manures, cover crops, weed tea, bull kelp and lots and lots of compost! We use companion planting and other methods to repel pests rather than killing them. A lot of thought goes into the best way we can handle various pests with the least harm, such as attracting natural predators, creating barriers or planting decoys. Veganic methods are quite common in most vegan backyards, however I don’t believe veganics is seen as ‘cost effective’ on a large scale. It certainly is more time intensive and a lot more hard work and planning, but well worth it.
All of the products we make and sell (Jams, Sauces, Chutney, etc) are all 100% vegan too of course.

What’s a typical week look like for you?
As we have such a wide variety of fruit trees and crops, no week is ever the same. Strawberry and mango seasons are very busy for us as they are our biggest crops, however we put a lot of hard work in all year round, pruning, watering, making compost, feeding the soil, maintaining and expanding our conservation and re-vegetation areas. As they say, a farmer’s work is never done! Then comes cooking all tasty products we take to market, in which hours can fly by with sometimes minimal result. We have 3 beautiful dogs, a cat and loads of wildlife that all enjoy and need our attention too. Before you know it…it’s 3am Sunday and we’re up and packing the vehicles for Market day.

What’s your favourite thing about Northey Street City Farm Markets?

I love how excited our customers get about our produce and other products! It is really great to be able to communicate directly with the customer and answer any questions they may have, whilst also providing us with feedback. I also love the atmosphere and the community feel that Northey Street City Farm has.

If you could get the population of Australia to all do one thing, what would it be?
That one is a no brainier for both of us. Take the time to meet your meat and get to know them for who they are. Cuddle a lamb, watch a calf prance around like a puppy or get smooched by a piglet. Research the meat and dairy industry and then follow your heart

December 7, 2017 by Promotions and Admin

NSCF December E-News

We hope you enjoy reading our December E-News HERE.

Northey Street City Farm send out an E-News every month for subscribers.

To subscribe to our monthly E-news and find out what’s happening in and around the farm in relation to our Sunday Organic Farmers’ Market, the City Farm Nursery or the host of workshop and course we run for adults and children, SUBSCRIBE HERE.