Organic at Heart
A major difference between Monaghan and most upmarket developments is that it’s actually a working farm, with a strong emphasis on organic agriculture. At the heart of then Farm are 10 acres dedicated to the farming of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Not a single pesticide or chemical fertiliser is used. Everything is organically grown, underpinned by Monaghan’s BCS Certification*. Much of the “fertiliser” used comes from Monaghan’s earthworm factory. This is still a small operation, using “green” garbage and manure which the worms convert into fine, dark vermicast. A healthy herd of Nguni cattle provide the manure and crop the fields at the same time.
Organic produce is not just a fad or a luxury. Research in the UK gives a glimpse of what conventional farming approaches are doing. A study on “The Involuntary Consumption of Agro-chemicals of British Consumers” estimated that the average British consumer eats around five kilogramms of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides per year with his or her vegetables and fruits. Add to that the hormonal overload from animal food sources. A potentially lethal cocktail over the long-term, especially for children.
The Monaghan gardens not only supply residents with regular, fresh, healthy produce but provide and a beautiful botanical garden while providing meaningful local employment as well.
* BCS is an independent and private controlling agency which certifies organic products worldwide in accordance with international regulations and private standards. Operating since 1992, BCS is based in Germany with representing agencies in four continents; including Africa.
BCS only issues its certificates of “good agricultural practice” after it has done stringent inspection tours of the farm applying for certification. BSC certification is increasingly required by European supermarket chains for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.