The Northern Rivers Farmer Incubator Program
Paving the way for young farmers in the Northern Rivers, The Farm at Byron Bay in partnership with Farmers Footprint Australia have created the Northern Rivers Farmer Incubator Program.
Designed to give emerging farmers a headstart in an increasingly competitive and challenging landscape, the Program provides an educational and practical pathway for aspiring farmers to gain essential farming and growing experience. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop lifelong skills in regenerative agriculture, with the full support of experienced local farmers, growers and business mentors.
Inspired by a passion for regenerative agriculture and driven by The Farm’s core ethos of Grow, Feed, Educate and Give Back, The Northern Rivers Farmer Incubator Program invites creativity and collaboration. New farmers are given the opportunity to work side-by-side with established, experienced growers and farmers in a cohesive and nurturing environment.
Recent research revealed the average age of an Australian farmer to be over 50, due to a combination of social, economic and ecological factors that seem weighted against the success of younger generations in the farming industry.
This Program aims to build a foundational platform for long term success by integrating the solutions to many of the most common challenges faced by farmers entering the market.
Equipment and machinery is usually a significant cost to new farmers, however in the Incubator Program, farmers will have full access to and use of farm equipment, machinery and processing facilities. An additional challenge is the procurement of land on an ongoing basis.
In the 2023 pilot Program, there are two positions available and each participant receives a half-acre plot of land at The Farm at Byron Bay, lease-free for 12 months, to establish their own working market garden.
Ongoing support and mentorship from The Farm’s Growers Collective, and Byron Shire Council will be provided throughout the year, along with workshops delivered by a collective of local experts. Workshops will cover topics such as crop scheduling, seeds and seedlings, pest and disease management, machinery operations, business, finance and marketing, pathways to market, including interaction with key local chefs and farmers markets, biodynamics and more. Participants will also be given access to Brunswick Valley Landcare, Byron Shire Council and Young Farmers Connect Field days and events.
Successful applicants will be responsible for the establishment and stewardship of a 0.5 acre market garden, including the day to day operations such as soil preparation, weed management, irrigation and more, along with the development of a 12 month production schedule and business plan.
The practical nature of this also includes the requirement to purchase inputs (some of which are provided by The Farm), harvesting and preparing produce for sale, and attending all workshops and mentoring sessions.
This is a full 12-14 month commitment for 16-24 hours per week, commencing January 2023.
Applications are open now and interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for consideration.
Applications close January 16th, 2023.
For questions and more information please contact Jordyn De Boer, jordyn.deboer@thefarm.com.au or 0425 345 066