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about us
Back to nature …
Ladybird Organics is a new brand derived from an old favourite – Keilor Valley Gardens.
Our third-generation family operation is one of Melbourne’s oldest vegetable growing business. The Skopilianos family has been market gardening in the Keilor Valley area since the mid 1940s.
The current management brothers Peter and Steve recognized the potential of the ever-growing organics market. Inspired by our own commitment to the environment, we have worked hard to re-engineer our farming practices from the ground up.
The brothers in 2005 began the conversion of their business to organics. As Keilor Valley Gardens they had been one of Melbourne's larger vegetable growing operations for decades. Under the new brand, Ladybird Organics, they now use principles of natural soil care and pest management across their farms. That means composting, manual weeding and planting to attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds - hence the company's name.
"We've gone the full circle, back to the natural farming practices that our grandparents used when they set up market gardening in this same area in the mid 1940s," says Steve.
So what sparks this kind of about-face? Steve explains that as a father of three children, concerns for the lack of taste & chemicals in food, and the impact they have on our environment are signals for change. “Instead of applying expensive and toxic chemicals at problems, we recognized the value of organics to break the cycle and satisfy our vision – to put people & the environment first.”
With the pioneering tradition of our grandparents and the added benefit of today’s technology and expertise we can ensure a superior, consistent product and still stay true to nature.
Now days our kids are all grown and the brother’s wives Anna and Janet have joined the growing family business. Anna looks after the thriving Organic Retail Farm Shop and Janet taking care of administration. Adding to the real family experience.
The Skopilianos’ have extended their farming to two locations in Victoria, Keilor and Kerrisdale.
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