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History: Goldvale Fruit derives its name from Golden Valley, which is the former name of the area due in, which it is found. Second-generation farmer Peter Nicholson manages the farm. Peter’s father, Maurice, purchased the property in 1970 when the bananas were grown on the farm. Paw paw was introduced until excessive rain destroyed most of the crop. Maurice and Peter then diversified into growing bananas, ginger, and other small crops.
Peter started growing organically in 1989 with a small section of the farm using newspaper and grass clippings. He found that the productivity of the crops increased, and noticed that the soil became richer and richer using mulches and soil conditioner. Peter finally completed the full conversion of the farm and was certified by NASAA in 1999.
Location: The farm is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, on the slopes below the saddle of Ninderry Mountain.
Products: Lady Finger bananas, ginger, zucchini, button squash, snow peas, pineapple, and the occasional tomato are all produced at Goldvale. The ginger has been specifically selected to produce a large ginger with a good clean appearance. Also of exceptional quality is the zucchini and button squash, which have a fresh glossy shine, unique to the area. The farm has warm north eastern slopes which are good for growing winter crops.
Soil and Water: A layer of grey loam approximately 1/2 to 1 foot deep sits on a clay base. Rain provides the farm with most of its water requirements. The farm also has two dams if additional irrigation is required.
Sustainability: Crops are continually rotated with non-producing paddocks, enabling the soil time to rest. The area of the farm in which the ginger grows is covered with a four-inch layer of composted Hoop Pine sawdust and fowl manure. Peter has found over the years that the native Hoop Pine sawdust provides the best results in soil fertility. After approximately a year, the mixture slowly breaks down forming good compost, which is incorporated into the soil as other crops are grown.
Pests: Scab Moth in bananas has been a problem but Peter has found that trimming off leaves at an early stage reduces injury until the tree is close to bunching.
Dear Customer,
We at Goldvale Fruit hope you enjoy the rich flavours and the fresh clean appearance of our produce. When you’re next at your local green grocer, look for the produce grown and packed by Goldvale Fruit.
Growing Organically: Because it’s healthy for all.
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