This Week at the Market

Wildwood Organics is Ben Dunn’s organic market farm based in the Macedon Ranges that has quickly become a favourite at Carlton Farmers’ Markets. With a passion for regenerative agriculture and a commitment to sustainability, Ben has created a unique 4-acre farm focused on soil health and biodiversity while producing delicious fruit, vegetables and honey.  

Ben started Wildwood Organics in August 2021 after growing organic veggies as a Market Gardener at "Joe's Market Garden" at Ceres. It was there that Ben got the idea to start his own organic market farm. 

When the Covid pandemic brought about a boom in Farmers Markets, Ben saw an opportunity to make a difference. He recognised the need for more market gardens close to the Melbourne CBD. He and his partner Madelaine found their spot in at Hollyburton Park, a 440-acre certified organic farm. Wildwood Organic’s 4-acre lease has space for growing organic produce and an apiary for producing their own honey. Madelaine raises chickens at Hollyburton Park and sells certified organic free-range eggs at stockist around Victoria. Check out her eggs at www.madelaineseggs.com.au. 

Hollyburton Park was already practicing some of the regenerative farming techniques that Ben was passionate about, such as holistic animal management through "cell grazing" and organic animal health practices. Cell grazing is a type of rotational grazing management system where livestock is confined to specific paddocks or cells for a short period of time, and then moved to another cell, allowing the previously grazed areas to rest and regenerate. 

The heart of Wildwood Organics lies in regenerative agriculture, which goes beyond sustainable farming. It is all about creating closed loop systems on the farm. For instance, Ben uses chicken manure and bedding material from Madelaine's chicken egg production to compost on-site. This rich compost goes right back into the vegetable beds, nourishing the plants and building healthy soil. It's like magic—the loop is closed when excess vegetable matter and weeds from the garden are fed to Madelaine's happy chickens, starting the cycle all over again. 

This winter the garden at Wildwood Organics is brimming with winter produce like broccoli, cauliflower, radicchio, and lettuces. But the real excitement lies in the four different varieties of garlic planted back in March and April. Ben loves using Green Garlic or Spring Garlic in cooking, and he has planted a lot of beds specifically for that. Trust us, it's going to be delicious! 

During his first season, Ben tried a veggie box delivery service, but high petrol prices and time spent in the van led him to rethink his approach. Being a stallholder at farmers’ markets has been the best decision, allowing Ben to connect with customers and build strong relationships based on transparency and trust. Ben knows that knowing where your food comes from and who grows it is essential! 

Wildwood Organics is grateful for the community's support at MFM Markets, as it ensures farmers like him can keep doing what they love. It is a reciprocal relationship that brings joy and satisfaction to Ben knowing that the community values his efforts. 

So, the next time you visit the farmers' market, be sure to stop by Wildwood Organics' stall and say hello to the Ben and check out all his sustainable and delicious produce. 

Follow Wildwood Organics on Instagram @wildwood.organicsFollow Madeline's Eggs on Instagram@madelaineseggs

Wildwood Organics sells at Carlton Farmers' Market every Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Carlton North Primary School - entrance on O'Grady). Follow the market on Instagram @farmersmarketcarlton.