Every batch of Folium Organics plant powder starts in a paddock on the Canterbury Plains.

Before we dry, mill or pack anything, we grow it. We farm approximately 500 hectares of certified organic land across four farms. Our growers make decisions every day about soil, water, timing and harvest.

Here is what a growing season looks like for us.

Why Canterbury

The Canterbury Plains are New Zealand's leading arable region. The area has fertile soils, long summer daylight and a temperate maritime climate. Many farms also have access to artesian irrigation thanks to the massive aquifers sitting beneath the Plains.

These conditions suit leaf crops well. Long days support strong, green growth. A mild climate reduces stress on the plants.

Starting with the soil

Organic farming depends on healthy soil. We cannot use synthetic fertilisers or synthetic pesticides. Instead, we build fertility through crop rotation, careful cultivation and good soil management.

Our four farms have different soil types. These include heavier Flaxton soils, deep Mayfield silt, Claremont and Timaru silt, and Wakanui silt. Some farms are irrigated. Others are dryland. This mix gives us a more resilient production base. If one farm has a difficult season, the others can help balance supply.

Planting and growth

Our leaf crops grow on a cycle of around six to eight weeks. This short cycle gives us flexibility. We can plan sowing so that crops reach harvest at different times across the season.

During growth, our growers walk the crops and check their condition. They look at leaf colour, density, weed pressure and moisture. Our grower-directors are part of the business, so they can discuss crop condition with the production team and act quickly.

Choosing the right moment to harvest

Harvest timing has a large effect on quality. For cereal grasses such as barley and wheat, we harvest the young leaf before the plant moves into its grain-producing stage.

We use specialised Bonino harvesting equipment. It cuts the leaf cleanly and handles it gently. This reduces bruising and damage before drying.

From field to dryer, fast

Our processing plant sits within our farming operation. Harvested leaf travels from the field to the dryer in a short time. There is no long transport between sites.

We dry the leaf with gentle hot air on Perry continuous belt dryers. This protects the natural colour, flavour and nutrients of the crop. We then mill it to a fine powder of around 70 microns.

Traceability from paddock to carton

Every batch is identified and controlled through harvest, drying, milling and packing. We know which farm and which paddock a batch came from, and when it was harvested.

This level of traceability is possible because we grow and process our own crops. We are not a trading company buying material from unknown sources.

Experience behind every season

Our growers bring decades of certified organic farming experience. Tim has more than 40 years in certified organic farming and was an early BioGro director. Rob helped build and commission our processing facility.

This knowledge helps us manage each season with care, and deliver consistent quality to our customers.

See where your ingredients come from

If you want to know more about how and where your ingredients are grown, we are happy to share details. Contact our team to discuss supply, request samples, or ask about our farms.