Aussie farmers are a particularly fine vintage. In fact, the average age of an Australian farmer is between 50 and 60 years old. This is the result of a number of interconnected social, economic and ecological challenges that typically inhibit the success of aspiring farmers.
Becoming a farmer or grower is most often a lifelong commitment and requires an ongoing investment of time, energy and capital-intensive resources; one of the primary barriers to the emergence and success of young growers. If this remains the status quo, the future of our food security and the Australian agricultural industry as a whole will be facing a significant skills and labour shortage crisis.
Farmer’s Footprint Australia, in collaboration with The Farm at Byron Bay and a small committed group of farmers, growers and local organisations, have formed the Northern Rivers Farmer Incubator Pilot Program. The program is being supported by Stone and Wood, The Farm, and Byron Shire Council.
Creating viable farming
The objective is to ‘grow growers’, creating pathways to encourage the retention of farmers in the industry by providing a range of non-typical support systems, access to resources and mentorship. Considerations and frameworks of the program have been specifically designed to ease the pressure of high costs and risks associated with farming in the region.
This 12-month pilot program is designed to foster two participants in the stewardship of a half-acre market garden business, utilising regenerative farming practices. Throughout their journey, participants Grace Ferrier and Rob Randall are being supported by a team of experienced farmers and mentors. They will participate in workshops and training that will help build their skills and experience, not only in growing food, but in establishing what it takes to create a viable and thriving farming business.
Supporters of the program throughout the community shared their insights on the potential that lies within the success of such a program and what a local regenerative farming future could look like in the Northern Rivers.
‘The current and emerging generation of stewards are facing many challenges, across a range of areas. However, a few resounding messages that continually come through are how do we make it economically enticing to engage and remain in an industry that is not valued as it used to be,’ said Georgina Johnson of Farmer’s Footprint.
‘How do we reconnect to those who have managed the land for generations, including our First Nations people who remain so disconnected, from those coming through onto the land – regardless of practice preferences. There are decades of lessons and knowledge sitting there untapped. How do we ensure that the current and emerging generations are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to thrive in what is sure to be an ecologically and economically uncertain period ahead.’
Business development key
The Incubator Program team are establishing relationships with Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market, along with local chefs and other market pathways. The intention is to embed the program at a very local, grassroots level, aligning with a community-centric focus and encouraging localisation.
As the Incubator Program shifts into the next phase, current participants, Grace and Rob, are dedicating a significant amount of their time and energy into the physical aspects of farming and growing in winter/spring, while establishing solid business foundations via collaborations such as the RCS Business Fundamentals Program.
In minimising some of the main barriers to young farmers entering the industry, the program presents opportunities to support the establishment of new food and farming enterprises in the Northern Rivers Region, led by growers that are equipped and passionate about farming in a way that cares for the land, as well as the community.
‘With the current knowledge and statistics around soil degradation, impact of conventional farming, the lack of new farmers entering the industry, as well as the staggering mental health statistics affecting these communities – it’s a nexus of socio-environmental problems that beckons a sustainable and swift solution,’ explained Jahdon Quinlan of Stone & Wood Brewing Co.
‘I really think that the approach that Farmer’s Footprint Australia is taking around training, mentoring and support, carving out a pathway for new farmers as well as equipping them with the skills and support network they need is a viable solution.’
Local food security for the Northern Rivers region, and subsequently every Australian consumer is dependent upon the presence and success of local growers. The program has the potential to inform and demonstrate what’s needed across Australia, actively contributing to the creation of secure and resilient national food systems. It is showcasing how the collaboration between key local players – community, council, organisations and businesses – coupled with thoughtfully designed tools and frameworks, can support emerging generations of young growers across the region and beyond.
Applications open
Applications are opening soon for the 2024 program, and more information can be found at www.thefarm.com.au.
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