Milestones - 416 Biofeed
Milestones is an interview series that focuses on BioGro Licensees celebrating significant anniversaries alongside BioGro this 2023.
BioGro is Aotearoa's largest and best-known organic certification agency, founded in 1983. BioGro-certified producers carry the BioGro logo on their products to assure their customers that the organic produce they buy is genuine.
Biofeed has been organically certified by BioGro for 30 years. We spoke to the Director of Biofeed, Nicolas Souto on the definition of organics, organic misconceptions and what was next for him and Biofeed.
How do you define organic?
In simple words, I define organic as letting Mother Nature do her job. Instead of trying to bend natural laws, let nature teach us how to grow, farm, etc. and keep the balance in our ecosystems. We should take advantage of the knowledge and technology available and use it to support what nature has been doing for billions of years instead of working against it.
What are some of the misconceptions/phrases you hear from people about organics that are not true?
We are seeing more evidence that organic farming practises are a better alternative to current conventional ones (Rodale Institute “Farming System Trial”). When looking at long-term results, synthetic fertilisers and inputs are not demonstrably the most suitable. While organic practices are shown to help nature rebuild ecosystems and soil biology, bringing nutrients back to our food and reducing (or eliminating) the negative impact in our ecosystems.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
Personally, the learning aspect is the most amazing part of my job. I took over Biofeed a couple of years ago from Greg Crowe, and I enjoy the challenge which it brings.
From a business perspective, trying to navigate the current difficult times and, on a personal side, the fact that I am able to expand my knowledge and try to apply it to what we do at Biofeed.
“Instead of trying to bend natural laws, let nature teach us how to grow, farm, etc. ”
What do you think is important for people to remember when using inputs?
I believe it is important to regularly check the results when using inputs.
Knowing what to look for (healthy leaves, roots, etc.) will give people an indication that they are applying the correct input to the right plant. Also, be careful you don’t overdo it, as some inputs may have the opposite result to the one you are looking for.
What’s next for you/your company?
On a personal note, I’m looking to free up more time to keep working on research and learn more about soil biology and ways to improve our products and offerings.
For Biofeed, we are looking to introduce new products to work as a complement to our compost tea. There is a plan to install solar panels in our Winton plant and, hopefully, over the next few years become a carbon-neutral company. We are now brewing our compost tea with rainwater so the solar panels will take us a step closer to our goal.
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