EIGHTY-six-year-old Ardlethan farmer Alan Druce started farming organic wheat in 1962 and although a lot in the industry has changed since, he's never seen prices as good for organic grain as they are now.
He's even operated his own flourmill in the past, so he has a comprehensive understanding of just what the industry is about.
"I've heard of prices as high as $700 a tonne this year," he said.
"Going back a few years, I was selling organic wheat for $550/t when conventionally produced wheat was making $209/t."
But he did caution farmers looking at making the switch to organic production.
He explained during the switch from conventional to organic farming there's a time gap of several years until the soil biology built up and it was likely production would be severely reduced during that window.
"Consequently, there will be a risk of a downturn in income."
Mr Druce (pictured) said his family had been farming on "Green Grove" since 1918.
Generally, the 1091-hectare property supports 800 sheep and 45 cattle, while about 200ha is sown to cereal crops.
"I don't like the term 'organic' as most people have no idea what it means or what it is all about, so I prefer to talk about how to grow food that is nutritious," he said.
Karen Bailey
The Land's markets editor.
The Land's markets editor.
