By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
Noosa has seen ‘treechangers’ and ‘seachangers’ and now it looks ready to become the hotspot for the next generation of farmers who are young, educated and passionate about the environment and food security.
An overwhelming response greeted the ‘world’s most famous farmer’ Joel Salatin when he recently held a masterclass at the J.
The ‘one-off” workshop drew a crowd of more than 200 people, many of whom were locals who were eager to learn about regenerative farming practices and how healthy, nutritious produce and low food miles have become a lifestyle decision for consumers.
Coming from a variety of professions as well as existing farmers and ‘foodies’, attendees learnt the environmental and financial benefits of polyface farming and the benefits to the community through job creation and to the local economy.
Councilor Sandy Bolton, who is a passionate advocate for identifying opportunities in diversifying the local economy, was instrumental in bringing the event to Noosa.
Enthusiastic about Joel’s visit to the shire, Cr Bolton sees the development of Noosa’s niche produce and associated by-products including ‘agritourism’, as an opportunity to diversify the local economy under the Biosphere brand.
“One thing that we are seeing across Australia is the lack of young farmers,” Cr Bolton said.
“Those who grow up on farms are more often than not choosing to not continue with the family business, having seen the hardships faced while those interested but with no background find there are not really any pathways that they can follow to get into the industry.
“For me the most important aspect of the regenerative farming movement is this opportunity for younger generations to look at farming in a new light.
“To learn how to take derogated land and turn it into something vibrant and fertile, and it was great to see so many young people at Joel’s workshop.”
Increasing the success of the shire’s agriculture industry has long been an endeavor of the council and community.
The end of 2014 saw the formation of the Noosa Agribusiness Network (NAN) to provide local producers, retailers and associated organisations with a collaborative medium in which to address industry challenges and identify emerging opportunities.
In the first two meetings a number of items were addressed including the need to access relevant information, combine knowledge and resources including a share farming register, and capitalise on the Noosa and Biosphere branding.
Cr Bolton, who has been promoting the development of a Noosa Country strategy as part of a local economic plan, sees this group as essential in the engagement process with council as well as State and Federal Government to better understand traditional and regenerative farming, local retailing, consumer behaviour and the multiple lifestyle and local economic benefits that can be derived from rural endeavors.
“Noosa is perfectly placed in both proximity to Brisbane, it’s branding as a clean, green environment, and with infrastructure including the Noosa Trail Network to promote it not only as a desirable destination for country getaways, but as a niche organic grower’s hub,“ Cr Bolton said.
“Consumer behaviour and choice is key to achieving success – supporting our local farmers creates local jobs, retains green space and influences farming practices.
“It is up to the Noosa community to create the drive in which to become leaders in regenerative farming and a sustainable, vibrant local economy.”
Existing farmers or newcomers who want to get into regenerative farming or residents who have land that they would like to lease out should get in touch with Dick or Rod from the Country Noosa forum or with Phil from Landcare.
For more information on regenerative farming visit www.polyfacefarms.com.
