Getting to know...

Barambah Organics, they are an Australian Certified Organic dairy company from Queensland with a strong focus on sustainability. VanillaFood would like to firstly congratulate them on being one of the Delicious. Magazine Producers of the Year, as a State Winner.

Here’s a few questions that VanillaFood asked the team at Barambah Organics.

Can you tell us a little bit about Barambah Organics and how/ why you started?

Ian and Jane Campbell founded Barambah Organics in 2002. They are often asked how, and why, they began. To start Barambah Organics, it did take an enormous leap of faith, yet the couple had confidence in each other’s abilities.  

Pre- Barambah, Ian used to see his agricultural clients around QLD, by plane. They both knew, after those early years together, that farming; operating a dairy manufacturing facility; and distributing and exporting their own goods, was probably going to be achievable.

Is your small business organic/ sustainable or what makes you stand out in your industry?

Barambah Organics Dairy is certified organic, and we source our milk from our own three dairy farms:

• On the Bellinger River in NSW

• Dumaresq in QLD

• The Macintyre Brook in QLD

Ian Campbell is a Rural Scientist, who nurtures his cattle and the farms. We think that there is a greater awareness that soil health is key to growing food, and that you can not throw harmful chemicals around. Food needs to be produced in away that is not harmful to the health of the farmer or the consumer.

Is being certified organic a big deal in your industry?

Yes, and being honest is important. There is a lot of food fraud in the market place. You need to know your producer.

What does sustainability mean to your company?

It is about respecting the land, your neighbours, local community and the planet.

What is your favourite product that you have created/ sell?

Probably our Labna, a truly delicious yoghurt cheese, marinated with fennel, sea salt, certified organic extra virgin olive oil and certified organic sunflower oil. Our Labna was also named Australia's Highest Scoring Cheese at the World Cheese Awards 2019-20, in Bergamo, Italy. 

VanillaFood is particularly impressed with their approach to their calves. Calves born on the Barambah farms are not considered to be a ‘waste product’. The farmers know each calf is different and needs to be individually assessed and monitored after birth, before it is separated from its mother. They then have an expansive area to graze and grow just kilometres from the main farms. 

VanillaFood is proud to use Barambah Organics products

Barambah Organics natural yoghurt is delicious for breakfast with seasonal fruit and VF granola or as a dressing on roast vegetables. 

(Their dairy products can be bought at supermarkets and most organic grocers on the east coast.)