Give Future Feeders a drink with your vote

Mullumbimby’s Future Feeders market garden is in need of a drink. Fortunately, they are in the running for private sponsorship to provide them with an irrigation system that will save time, save water and increase production.

By registering your online vote in the next 10 days you can help them along the way.

The garden was established earlier this year with a view to encouraging the next generation of farmers, by actively engaging young people in food production and sharing skills in sustainable land management.

At the moment, most watering is done by hand. An irrigation system would enable Future Feeders to expand with their organic produce production without dramatically increasing their water consumption.

The organisation has applied for money from the Philmac Project, a national initiative providing individual cash grants of up to $5000 to water-related projects that benefit regional Australian communities.

But they need community support to make it to the next stage. Submissions that attract the most votes via the dedicated website, before voting closes on December 12, will go onto a short-list for final judging by a special panel.

The Philmac Project is an initiative of Australian irrigation products manufacturer Philmac.

‘We know it can be difficult for community groups to source funding even for small projects these days, and sometimes all they need is a little bit of cash to get them started,’ says Philmac marketing and development manager Jason Mitchell.

‘So we set up the Philmac Project as a way of giving something back, and as an expression of our ongoing commitment to rural Australia and keeping communities connected.

‘We are extremely pleased with the number of applications so far, and the quality and diversity of the projects being proposed. I think our judges are in for quite a challenge,’ Mr Mitchell says.

To qualify for the initiative a project must be water related, such as upgrading or installing watering or irrigation systems, plumbing installations or water capture facilities.

‘Ultimately, the funding will be allocated to projects that make a genuine difference to their local community, and have the potential to reduce water use, improve water quality or benefit the environment in some way,’ Mr Mitchell says.