2018 brings forth an exciting collection of monthly talk series to be held on the farm! Our new Farm Chats series will include and involve local and young regenerative farmers, innovative people working in food, food waste and sustainability in fun and friendly discussions and panels.
Our goal is to create a community of mindful humans through connectivity and shared experience. We believe that real-life interaction, conversations and local Australian stories will allow us to do so.
Join us for the first of many, where naturally we'll kick off with the topic of Urban Farming. Urban farming aims to bridge the disconnect people have with their food. It's the balancing act of building community, whilst caring for and improving the land we find ourselves on. It's about seeking out ethical practices to constantly evolve. It's challenging, but that's what makes urban farmers the tenacious creatures they are. There's currently a growing interest in Australia around this crusading movement and we want to have a conversation about it.
The panel will include very special guest Michael Ableman, a renowned urban farmer from Vancouver who started Sole Food Street Farms. Along with Jon Kingston, who has partaken in the design and delivery of over 10 community and/or edible garden projects including the James Street Community Garden in Redfern as well as, The Wayside Chapel's gardens in Bondi Beach and Kings Cross. Last but not least, Emma Bowen and Michael Zagoridis, the heart and soul behind Pocket City Farms.
You'll hear about why urban farming is so beneficial in community building, environmental care and sustainability. Most of all you'll be surrounded by like minded humans with a snack and local beer in hand.
Cost: $20
Provided: Your first drink (Young Henrys) and some nibbles.
THE PANEL
MICHAEL ABLEMAN is a farmer, author, photographer and urban and local food systems advocate. Michael has been farming organically since the early 1970′s and is considered one of the pioneers of the organic farming and urban agriculture movements. He is a frequent lecturer to audiences all over the world, and the winner of numerous awards for his work. Ableman is the author of four trade published books, with his most recent being 'Street Farm; Growing Food, Jobs, and Hope on the Urban Frontier'.
MICHAEL ZAGORIDIS is the farm manager of Pocket City Farms and a founding PCF board member. His experience is in organic, permaculture and sustainable farm practices, nourishing soil structures and local food networks.
EMMA BOWEN is the general manager of Pocket City Farms and a founding PCF board member. She has a background across small business, small-scale farming, urban sustainability, permaculture and education in slow living skills.
JON KINGSTON studied horticultural science (B.Hort Sci) at UWS Hawkesbury and has worked in garden design, bush regeneration, vegetable gardens, horticulture retail and production for 25 years. During this time he has partaken in the design and delivery of over 10 community and/or edible garden projects, kitchen and cocktail gardens for numerous restaurants, a handful of new gardens for City West Housing and a range of private backyards and balconies.
IN CONVERSATION WITH NICK RITAR
Nick is Milkwood Permaculture’s primary educator and consultant. Nick is passionate about authentic outcomes for students studying permaculture and life skills, and cultivating community.
FOLLOW UP THIS CHAT WITH A STREET FOOD MASTERCLASS!
We are very proud to be collaborating with Milkwood on this Farm Chat as well as on their very exciting one-day Street Food Masterclass workshop with Michael Ableman.
THE SPONSORS
MILKWOOD teach and share permaculture skills, for living like it matters. Free online resources & world-class training in home gardening, beekeeping, natural building, permaculture and regenerative agriculture – skills that give you the confidence to create permanently sustainable systems. www.milkwood.net
YOUNG HENRYS is an eclectic group of passionate brewers, distillers, musicians and artists, united for the love of good beer and fine gin. www.younghenrys.com
MAKER is a social enterprise committed to excellent food, building community and supporting others to create sustainable, ethical and environmental practices through education and partnerships. They are also all about Fierce Femmes Reclaiming The Kitchen! www.makersydney.com