“Information is like compost : It does no good unless you spread it around. E. Coleman”
We seek to create a platform to facilitate information sharing, to co-generate new ideas
and solutions and to coordinate support for small farm enterprises.
The Northern Rivers Young Farmers Alliance is a voice for young farmers in the region and an inspiration for those beyond.
Targeting growers and producers under 40 with goals in sustainable land management and ecological agriculture.
The NRYFA focuses on small scale producers and local food economy projects, startups and innovative enterprises.
Building unity through support, networking and collaboration we want to promote the exciting work of young farmers in our area.
Our Goals
The Northern Rivers region of NSW has rich volcanic soils, exceptional rainfall and access to the infrastructure that can provide us with huge potential to act as a significant food production hub for the larger populations of our urban neighbours in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Northern Rivers sits within a rapid urban growth corridor, with well developed tourism. Nearby international airports three domestic airports. We have a rich farming history, established agricultural education facilities in TAFE Wollongbar Campus and the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, Organics Institute - Southern Cross University, Soil Analysis Laboratories and a number of thriving agricultural commodity industry bodies.
The average age of Australian farmers is now 58 and ageing. The number of farmers over the age of 65 now outweigh farmer under the age of 35 by 6:1
We also live in a time that Australians have one of the most resource intensive diets per capita in the world and yet we waste up to 40% of the produce that is produced.
The bulk of our food producers are nearing or should be retired, viable farmland comes under increasing threat from urban development, and land prices have become unachievable for young farmers.
Many of of our new farmers will come from urban backgrounds and with diverse skills. We need a strong and united network of young farmers who are working to support each other to thrive and prosper.
Our mantra - Together we grow
Who will benefit from the NRYFA?
Increase local employment opportunities in sustainable agriculture
By stimulating new enterprise and business development.
By developing the local food industry.
By developing under-utilised local food producing resources, such as unused or neglected farm land, orchards, plantations and public spaces.
To encourage and mobilize young people into agricultural careers
By educating and engaging the local community.
By making farming cool!
By demonstrating collective and co-operative farming methods.
Increase local food production
By increasing demand for local food through distributing to cafes and restaurants
By establishing efficient and improving existing local food distribution and supply chains
What are the main challenges?
Young farmers face difficulties in gaining access to capital through traditional sources.
Farming can be high risk and slow to offer sustainable returns on investment
Young farmers are challenged in gaining access to long term and secure productive land.
Opportunities for workplace experience and skills development has been overwhelming reduced due to the exploitation of free labour forces such as WOOFing and the industrialisation of food production.
What is new and innovative about the NRYFA ?
Collectivism!
An Alliance will provide many advantages including the economic benefits of having a shared labor pool, market access, equipment and buying power.
Sustainability efficiencies are increased through shared distribution, resources, and reduced energy inputs.
An organised voice ensures the needs of the emerging farming community is represented, that funding and resources can be access and that opportunities can be communicated
Our task is not an easy one, but it is necessary. The time is right for revolutionary ideas within the food movement.
Climate change, youth unemployment, community nutrition and health can all be improved through strengthening the local food industry and creating tangible benefits to the local economy..
We have momentum and are building a united network of young ethical farmers and land custodians at the local, regional and national level and we invite you to help.
We seek to create a platform to facilitate information sharing, to co-generate new ideas
and solutions and to coordinate support for small farm enterprises.
The Northern Rivers Young Farmers Alliance is a voice for young farmers in the region and an inspiration for those beyond.
Targeting growers and producers under 40 with goals in sustainable land management and ecological agriculture.
The NRYFA focuses on small scale producers and local food economy projects, startups and innovative enterprises.
Building unity through support, networking and collaboration we want to promote the exciting work of young farmers in our area.
Our Goals
- To take a leadership role supporting and developing a local sustainable agriculture industry for small scale farmers.
- To increase access to resources and funding, develop opportunities and marketplace access.
- Build pathways for young farmers, buyers and consumers of local produce which minimises food waste and maximises value.
- Foster innovation and collaboration across the region through sharing skills, knowledge and resources.
- Support opportunities for mentorship and coaching within the industry, business and marketing community.
- To build a digital platform to host land-sharing templates, lease agreements, business and market advice.
- Develop a recognised brand for the Northern Rivers region as a clean, green and sustainable food bowl.
The Northern Rivers region of NSW has rich volcanic soils, exceptional rainfall and access to the infrastructure that can provide us with huge potential to act as a significant food production hub for the larger populations of our urban neighbours in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Northern Rivers sits within a rapid urban growth corridor, with well developed tourism. Nearby international airports three domestic airports. We have a rich farming history, established agricultural education facilities in TAFE Wollongbar Campus and the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, Organics Institute - Southern Cross University, Soil Analysis Laboratories and a number of thriving agricultural commodity industry bodies.
The average age of Australian farmers is now 58 and ageing. The number of farmers over the age of 65 now outweigh farmer under the age of 35 by 6:1
We also live in a time that Australians have one of the most resource intensive diets per capita in the world and yet we waste up to 40% of the produce that is produced.
The bulk of our food producers are nearing or should be retired, viable farmland comes under increasing threat from urban development, and land prices have become unachievable for young farmers.
Many of of our new farmers will come from urban backgrounds and with diverse skills. We need a strong and united network of young farmers who are working to support each other to thrive and prosper.
Our mantra - Together we grow
Who will benefit from the NRYFA?
- Young people who are seeking to move into sustainable agriculture industry
- Aging local farmers and land holders
- Local restaurants, cafés, green grocers, food outlets and their patrons
- Local food consumers and farmers market.
- Local food production businesses
- Other local commercial business eg : through increased local tourism
- Other local resources business eg : farmer co-op, rural supplies
- Schools and other local training service providers.
Increase local employment opportunities in sustainable agriculture
By stimulating new enterprise and business development.
By developing the local food industry.
By developing under-utilised local food producing resources, such as unused or neglected farm land, orchards, plantations and public spaces.
To encourage and mobilize young people into agricultural careers
By educating and engaging the local community.
By making farming cool!
By demonstrating collective and co-operative farming methods.
Increase local food production
By increasing demand for local food through distributing to cafes and restaurants
By establishing efficient and improving existing local food distribution and supply chains
What are the main challenges?
Young farmers face difficulties in gaining access to capital through traditional sources.
Farming can be high risk and slow to offer sustainable returns on investment
Young farmers are challenged in gaining access to long term and secure productive land.
Opportunities for workplace experience and skills development has been overwhelming reduced due to the exploitation of free labour forces such as WOOFing and the industrialisation of food production.
What is new and innovative about the NRYFA ?
Collectivism!
An Alliance will provide many advantages including the economic benefits of having a shared labor pool, market access, equipment and buying power.
Sustainability efficiencies are increased through shared distribution, resources, and reduced energy inputs.
An organised voice ensures the needs of the emerging farming community is represented, that funding and resources can be access and that opportunities can be communicated
Our task is not an easy one, but it is necessary. The time is right for revolutionary ideas within the food movement.
Climate change, youth unemployment, community nutrition and health can all be improved through strengthening the local food industry and creating tangible benefits to the local economy..
We have momentum and are building a united network of young ethical farmers and land custodians at the local, regional and national level and we invite you to help.