If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. (JRR Tolkien) 

There is no precedence in the natural world for anything that continues to grow being sustainable. The economic model of the duopoly companies is based on depressing prices to producers as far as possible then trucking product all around the country.  As energy prices rise this economic model will become less and less viable.  There is no reason to believe that at some time in the future these companies won't go belly up, the way of HIH and Ansett. What then for food supplies in Australia?  As a consumer, how you spend your money will decide the outcome, the Good Grocery Guide has been created as your guide to ethical shopping in Perth. By supporting Farmers Markets and independent butchers  (or in their absence independent retailers from the IGA group or Only Australian Groceries) you will not only buy the freshest local food but be supporting a true free market economy and Australian producers. The push to support local enterprises is gaining momentum, driven Ausbuy. To have your say on the risks to Australia's food security of potentially diseased imported primary products please visit http://www.gopetition.com/online/35613.html

I believe that agritourism which includes  Farmers Markets , Organic Farming, Permaculture and the Slow Food   movement are all part of a process of people taking back control of their food supply and economic destiny, that in recent years has been hijacked in the western world by multinational corporations. The internet, through websites like this, and our Link Policy is also a part of this process, as information is no longer controlled by big business and governments. In many cases, the development of multinational food companies has only been possible through the use of additives and preservatives that in themselves have a dubious effect on public health.  These companies have been aided and abetted by government regulators who have allowed toxic chemicals into the food supply (many of which have subsequently been banned) while banning traditional practices because of the presence of so called "bugs". These bans have displaced many small producers, yet the healthy human body has evolved over generations to be able to withstand these bugs. There is evidence to suggest that we need exposure to some of these bugs to exercise our immune systems. People who lack physical activity become physically weak, people who are denied the ability to exercise their immune system lack immunity to disease.

We are developing  lists of West Australian producers of preservative free food  and organic food retailers to help you find the best local product. Supporting these businesses is not only good for your own health but good for the local free market economy.

There is an obvious synergy between tourism and the slow food movement , why would anyone travel the world eating the products of the likes of Kansas Fried Cat,  that are contributing to an obesity epidemic and are guaranteed to be the same wherever you go on the planet? You might as well stay home and save the air fare! Domestic tourism that brings people from the city into rural areas can help break down the city-country divide that is becoming a very divisive issue within Australia. To find farms to visit in Western Australia visit Farm Stay West or Nationally visit Agritourism Australia.

Aren't we fortunate to live in a democracy that allows its citizens to express an opinion, and at a time when the best of American enterprise and technology has produced the internet and Google, allowing for the free exchange of ideas.
 
Barry Green, Managing Director, Western Tourist Radio

Australian Organic Farming Websites more good stuff here!

Herb Growers Network of WA (HGN)   Helping Herb Growers Grow

Living Waters Permaculture Foundation Inc  Education on Sustainable futures 

Additive Alert  Your Guide to Safer Shopping

Western Mineral Fertilisers specialises in the formulation of new granulated mineral fertilisers

Community Banking   Bendigo Bank's Community Banking program is an innovative concept developed to provide communities with a means for facilitating economic revitalisation and the enhancement of local services and infrastructure

Ethical Investment Association put your money where your mouth is.