Growing the organic growers of tomorrow with a co-operative modelHarcourt Organic Farming Co-operativeAmanda Scott chats to Hugh and Katie Finlay of Harcourt Organic Farming Co-operative.Realising as they aged, they could not physically continue with all the farm work required, Katie and Hugh formed a co-operative that would not only ensure the farm’s continued productivity, it would also help mentor the next generation of farmers and offer them greater lease security.The farm includes five enterprises on site: including a dairy, orchard, market garden, fruit tree nursery and the Grow Great Fruit online teaching business. The couple share their secrets to making it work: From negotiating watertight contracts to building community and trust among its members.In this episode we explore:Katie’s discovery of her ‘inner farmer’Graceful exit: Reaching a stage that they could not physically continue with farm work and looking towards successionCreating a model with Gung Hoe GrowersCreating a campaign and https://gunghoegrowers.com.au/prospectus to engage with a new orchardistDeciding on a co-op model: To ensure the four business were not duplicating effort and costs.Negotiating with NASAA for the four businesses to be certified under the oneCo-marketing benefitsThe growing interest of young famers and the importance of growing the next generationNurturing the happy farming family: The importance of regular check-insThe importance of lease security for young farmers: establishing 9-year leases with the farmers signing up each three yearsUsing a consultant to get the base template right and negotiating with farmers to make it fair for all partiesEgos and personalitiesBuilding goodwill in the community volunteers, chefs, customersCommitment to environment, a commitment to sustainability, to regenerative agriculture, to organicsThe importance of mentoring and the gift growing young passionate farmersNewsletter and Weekly co-op blogExtra resources:Grow Great Fruit websiteHarcourt Organic Farming co-op websiteBecome a member of Grow Great FruitGrow Great Fruit Free Online Workshops:Subscribe to the Harcourt Organic Farming Co-Operative Newsletter.

Ver todos los episodios