farm gate and the sunset

Water Pollution

Water Pollution and Organic Agriculture

Australians are some of the biggest meat eaters in the world and also have a huge market for ethical, organic agriculture. Not only does ethical, organic meat taste better and feel better, but it protects our environment. Buying and supporting ethical meat production protects our beautiful coast.  

Living on the coastline gives us access to many beautiful sources of water, such as the Maroochydore River, our ocean coastlines, and the smaller lakes and estuaries in the area. We enjoy cool waters during hot days, waves for surfing, crystal clear rock pools to discover and beautiful scenery through our windows. All of these waterways are important to our life and ecosystem, and they can all be impacted by agriculture in the region. 

What is Run off?

In traditional agriculture things like heavy rainfall, flooding and crop watering in grain farms can lead to run off, which is when the soil deposits, animal waste and chemical sprays are picked up by water and run off into waterways (1). When run off occurs, chemical pesticides, insecticides, fertilisers, GMO’s and waste enter our important bodies of water and contribute to things like coral bleaching, destruction of coral forests, killing of fish and other sea creatures and water pollution which unbalances ecosystems (2). Without a secure ecosystem in the ocean many things are put at risk: food security for us and for livestock, accessibility for building materials made from coral rock and sand, and natural rock and coral defence against hazards such as coastal erosion and flooding (3). 


Without proper care, chemical intervention can also enter our drinking water, which poses risk to our dental and physical health. The illusion that all Australians have access to clean water isn’t necessarily true, and low-income and Indigenous communities are more at risk of drinking unsafe water (4).

How Organic Agriculture is different

Organic agriculture reduces the consequences for our waterways by removing use of chemicals and finding cleaner ways to supply meat to consumers. As you know, organic farms like Bendele, Gooralie and Elliot’s farm deliver us high-quality, delicious meats without use of pesticides or GMO. They protect our waterways by ensuring any runoff is as natural as it can be, so when it reaches our waterways it is free of damaging chemicals 5.  

While removing chemicals, GMO’s and other damaging soil deposits from agricultural farming isn’t the one-and-done solution for water pollution, it is a huge step in assuring clean and pure water for all people, for all parts of life. Your beef, pork, seafood and poultry come guilt-free with Sunshine Coast Organic Meats and allows you to continue enjoying everything our water has to offer.  

 Speaking of our beautiful coast: give our new Fish Burger recipe a try, with fish fillets breaded at home and a homemade coleslaw and creamy sauce as a fun Friday night or weekend treat!