The taste of organic produce can be an exhilarating experience – one that can change the way we produce and eat our foods.

Annie Wilson tending the greens at her orchard.

Annie Wilson of Miranda Organic Orchards shares this sentiment, having worked in the field of organics for a number of years, and having established the organic orchard about twelve years ago.

Miranda Organic Orchards, located on Miranda Road, off State Highway 2, has been fully certified organic since 2002, first with Bio-Gro and then with OrganicFarm NZ. Over 3000 trees of a variety of fruits and vegetables on the 12-acre property declare the joy of organics in the form of heritage seedlines, citrus fruits, apples, pears, feijoas and figs to name a few of the range.

“Since the start of mass agricultural production, hybridisation of plants has resulted in loss of nutritional values, and disappearance of certain heritage varieties, which are particularly disease resistant. But the growing awareness of organics is making them popular again,” Annie told Rural Living.

The orchard sells heritage varieties of tomatoes, beans, zucchini, peppers, basil, and flowers from Christmas onwards, at the markets and at their onsite shop. Besides that, a selection of fully certified organic jams, jellies and relishes, and a juice range including freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit, or tangelo juice, and pasteurised apple and feijoa are also on offer.

“Becoming and being a certified organic producer requires a lot of work, but that’s the only worthwhile way to go about it as it provides consumers confidence they are buying from a credible source. We mainly sell to a couple of wholesalers and at the Farmers Markets, the demand being steady,” she explained.

Annie said there are some great organic fertiliser companies in New Zealand now, as well as other organic suppliers, ensuring regular supplies for the produce. “The climate in Miranda is frost-free and generally great for growing throughout the year, apart from the benefit of proximity to Auckland and Hamilton,” she said.

Being a great proponent of safe food, Annie puts in a lot of effort in other ways to promote the growth and awareness of organic farming. Apart from focusing on the orchard, she is also on the National Coordinating Committee of OrganicFarmNZ.

Organic food is considered richer in vitamins and minerals, and retains the levels of nutrients for much longer. But there is a general perception it costs more due to the higher cost of production. “It does cost more, but doesn’t have to. Anyone keen on adopting organic food should look at either buying in bulk or growing their own. The best way is to ask yourself what you are prepared to pay for your health,” Annie concluded.