By Margaret Maccoll
It was the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008 that led Craig Hubbard from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast to become a farmer and the Covid crisis that launched the Shambhala Farm owner on a path to teach a million people to grow their own food.
Craig had a successful wheatgrass business supplying restaurants in Sydney but knew nothing about farming.
As a dad he felt a responsibility in growing food. “I realised vegetables is where real health is at,“ he said.
Craig soon discovered older farmers were retiring, taking their knowledge with them.
After moving to the region to follow his farming aspirations Craig searched for and found an farmer in Maleny and worked for him, learning his methods of organic farming then went looking for his own farm.
Craig found a 12-acre property at Doonan owned by a retiring farmer who tried to discourage him from his ambition, telling him he was receiving the same income for his produce as he had 20 years before.
“He didn’t want me to end up broke like he was,” he said.
But Craig’s belief that every community needs good access to food pushed him forward and he decided to give it a go.
“I’d implemented everything I’d learnt from the farmer,” he said. “I continued to educate myself from farmers around the world. We realised it was more than a farm, it was a way of life.”
Shambhala Farm uses organic farming methods based in strong soil and ecological health with compost the lifeblood of the farm.
Backpackers came to stay and work and the community supported them through sales at the Noosa Farmers Market. “That gave us fuel to keep going,” he said.
Craig said he found it tough going. The days were long and he was falling into unhealthy habits. He needed to put his life back into balance.
“I had to remind myself I was here to be healthy,” he said.
Having been a yoga teacher he brought yoga on to the farm and started sharing his farming knowledge through workshops, teaching people about composting and farming techniques.
His relationship ended and he carried on alone for a few years.
Then at a yoga holiday in Bali he met his current partner Chrissy and returned more inspired with a more balanced lifestyle and in June the couple welcomed baby, Birdie Skye.
When Covid-19 hit they felt themselves fortunate to be able to grow food and were committed to provide food for the community.
Their farm box sales increased significantly. To meet demand a network of sustainable farmers has been formed .
Craig said most people’s daily lives are unconnected with nature and the growing of food but the Covid-crisis made people realise the value of locally grown food.
It made him realise his ability to grow food for the community was limited so he decided what he needed to do was teach people to grow their own.
“It made me see how vulnerable we are as a community,” he said.
Craig has developed a 12 week garden transformation course teaching people to transform their backyards or even balconies into food growing spaces.
“Each week builds on the next. At the end they will have a perpetual garden they can keep harvesting from,” he said.
Now online the course is being accessed by people locally and across the world.
“Covid has given people a wake up call. We can start making a difference. We can do it one seed at a time. Just start growing some and get back to nature.”
Craig said growing food wasn’t something he was taught as a kid but he now knows people can grow a significant portion of food. His course he believes demystifies farming and makes it accessible.
He said there was some work involved initially in establishing gardens in beds, backyards or pots but then maintaining it could take as little as 20 minutes a day. “It can be the most enjoyable time of the day if it’s done right,” he said.
Shambhala Farm sells its produce each Sunday at Noosa Farmers Market and Saturdays at Kawana Waters Farmers Market as well as through its FarmBox Home Delivery service. They offer regular yoga classes, workshops, women’s circles and retreats.
“Our vision is to encourage others to grow and live an inspired life by growing real food, nourishing our body and connecting through movement.
For more information visit shambhalagrowing.com
