Who doesn’t love shopping at your local Farmers Market. It means you know where your
nutritious, seasonal produce comes from, you can talk to the farmer, ask questions and share
their passion for what they produce.

Because food tastes better if you know where it comes from.

You can now take it one step further, really get to grass roots level, get your hands dirty and
see the produce in the ground.

TROPO is our fabulous local Tweed Richmond Organic Producers Organisation. Established
in 1989 as a local action group dedicated to fostering organic agriculture on the North Coast.
Education is a major focus of TROPO and they hold regular farm walks, most recently on
Saturday 31 July when they visited Rod and Tanya Bruin’s thriving property in Tyalgum.
You will know Rod and Tania from their Summit Organics stall at New Brighton and
Mullum Farmers Markets.

The farmwalk at Summit Organics took the visitor from seedlings to harvest and was a way
for people interested in learning more about growing organic produce to gather, share ideas
and ask questions to really experienced farmers. Rod discussed their practices in regenerative
farming, soil preservation, struggles and successes on farm, integrated pest management,
irrigation techniques, succession planting and natural disaster mitigation.

Did we mention they finish the farmwalks with the famous ‘Shed Talks’ over an obscenely
scrumptious, organic feast? It is a buffet of whatever is good and fresh on that day, so no
agonising choices or menu envy.

TROPO farmers and members are an invaluable source of practical knowledge and firsthand
experience. Other members of TROPO apart from Rod, Tanya and Ryan Bruin that you will
know from the Farmers Markets include Sue, David and Dougal Forrest from Organic Forrest
who were pioneers of the organic farming movement in the Northern Rivers from their farm
in Federal. Along with loads of organic produce they sell fire cider, jamu and macadamia
nuts and butter.

You’ll also recognise Kate Thompson, farmer and rainforest regenerator extraordinaire from
The Organic Avocado, Pam Morrow from Ilona herbs, the growers from Seedlings Organic
and Skye from Byron Gourmet Mushrooms.

The legendary TROPO Farm Walks happen regularly throughout the year. The next Farm
Walk will be in early September at a macca orchard in Lindendale.

Non-members are welcome to come along for a $10 donation or they can sign up on the day.
You can follow TROPO on socials or sign up through their website for notices.