Richard Patton

Richard Patton has farmed organically and sustainably for the last 29 years on his property in the Border Ranges of northern NSW, and for the last 13 years he has been certified organic with NASAA. He has had a Sunday market stall at the Channon and Byron Bay markets for the last 28 years, selling organic farm produce and drinks.

About five years ago Richard decided to support local certified organic farmers by setting up a secondary processing facility (Red Dragon Inn) in Lismore. Organic drinks are now sold to retail outlets, both to support regional sustainability and to offer a healthy alternative to the multinational beverage companies’ products – which are unhealthy, unethical and unsustainable.

Red Dragon Inn is a fully certified organic processor – NASAA P2567 and is in face Australia’s only certified organic ginger beer and one of just four in the world! It is the only raw, live and unpasteurised vegan soft drink in the country, and the only soft drink with natural carbonation in the bottle. All organic waste goes to Lismore’s state of the art worm farm and deliveries are made in a 100% natural gas powered van, which means that Red Dragon Inn Ginger Beer has miniscule travel miles when compared to any other soft drink. Processing and supply and all ingredients are sourced from the region of northern NSW and SE QLD.

Red Dragon Inn is attempting to establish a framework for regional processing with critical attention to ethics and sustainability, which is the raison d’etre of the business. Please go to www.reddragoninn.com.au for more information.