We are two young farmers seeking land in the Illawarra to grow high quality seasonal vegetables for the local community!
Our small business intends to grow using organic and sustainable farming practices and positively impact the local food system. (something that we are very excited for here at FFI!)
With only 3 growers and a population of over 300,000 people, the Illawarra desperately needs more local food production.
Lauren
I am perennially interested in food and cooking. I somehow ended up interning in an organic market garden in New Zealand, and later volunteering as a wwoofer (willing workers on organic farms) in Italy, Slovakia and Switzerland. I worked in an agri-tech startup and large wholesale organics, and farms in greater Sydney. I learned how beautiful, challenging and rewarding it is to grow amazing healthy produce and feed a local community. I am thrilled that there is a growing interest and support for small producers, and even more so that young people are getting involved in farming. I can’t wait to get growing for the Illawarra soon!
James
I happened upon farming by chance, recently after quitting my engineering job in search of a different direction in life stumbled upon a video by JM Fortier. I soon realised that small scale farming coupled together my three main interests; food, solving problems and helping my local community. Since watching that video I have worked at two small scale farms and have visited many more, the growing community around small scale agriculture, especially market gardens, is very exciting. I can’t wait to help grow this movement in the illawarra with our own farm.
With several years experience managing and working in small scale market gardens, we both hold a wide range of farm skills in the areas of livestock enterprises, machinery, holistic grazing, permaculture and running educational workshops.
We are looking for the following:
- Land size: ½ acre- 2 Acres (min 2000smq)
- Access to reliable clean water (river, bore, main)
- Relatively flat area with full sun
- Use of storage space for tools and equipment (or permission to erect one)
- Access to electricity and all weather vehicle access
- Ability to erect small growhouse
Ideally we are looking for a land to lease type arrangement of minimum 1 year – though longer is desirable – we
are willing to consider other reasonable options for the right fit/relationship. We have sound market research and
can produce a business plan if required.
If this interests you, OR if you may know of anyone who might be, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us at coalcoastgrowers@gmail.com
James and Lauren are members of Young Farmers Connect, which is a national non-for-profit organisation with networks, resources and a community for young farmers all around Australia. There are many barriers that young and new farmers face and YFC helps to provide a pathway to mobilise these young farmers into the agricultural sector and revitalise our rural communities. You can read more here.
Follow their journey on Instagram
View this post on Instagram