Farm Chats last year was a hit and we’re continuing on in the new year to chat about all things food & agriculture – you can look forward to hearing from some more panels of innovative farmers and makers, discussions on new and slightly taboo crop choices, a look at how soil health affects your health, and more to come.
Why do we do this? We’ve found ourselves in a community of like-minded humans who want to hear more in-depth discussion about food in Australia, and what better place to hold this than our urban farm in Camperdown. We believe that real-life interaction, conversations and local Australian stories will allow us to take discussion and action to the next level. So get on board, come to a farm chat to be well watered and filled with ideas.
MAY FARM CHATS we are focusing on Young Farmers again - we’ll introduce you to four young people who have found a career and life in agriculture, whether by starting their own businesses or working for other farmers. There is a lot of discussion about the rising average age of farmers and the need to bring more young people into agriculture - join the chat to hear from a few people who are making it work.
When: Wednesday May 1st, at 6pm. Panel will finish by 8pm and beers & chats are welcome to continue.
Cost: $20
Provided: Your first drink (thanks to our brewing mates Young Henrys + nibbles
Bring: Coins for beer donations. All donations go directly to our school education program.
THE PANEL
AARON BROCKEN of Harvest Farms . Aaron runs a Community Supported Agriculture farm over two blocks of land in the Hawksbury, NSW. He grows veggies, berries, stonefruit and apples, and grazes miniature goats in the orchard! Using permaculture design and biodynamic farming methods, Aaron focuses on soil health to provide a unique, area specific food for his community. Aaron uses the farm space to teach visitors and interns, as well as runs a weekly farmers market at Westmead Children’s hospital.
JULIA MARTIGNONI of Blue Wren Urban Farm . Julia farms in her backyard in Bankstown, Sydney, selling veg boxes to local households. Her model shows it is possible to supply a significant amount of veggies for dozens of kitchens out of a small suburban block. She is also Pocket City Farms’ very own Farm Assistant!
LUKE COFFEY of Never Farm . Luke started growing mushrooms as a hobby in 2017 and quickly saw the possibility to use his newfound skills to benefit the community. His engineering background quickly sprung him to designing systems capable of growing mushrooms commercially, and in early 2018 he opened Never Farm. Eventually the entire team hope that automated vertical farming can pave the way to a better, more sustainable future.
TIM&HANNAH of The Food Farm . Tim & Hannah raise pastured chickens, laying hens, cattle, sheep as well as fruit & veg on the Central Coast of NSW.
IN CONVERSATION WITH Michael Zagoridis (a.k.a Zag). Pocket City Farms' very own Farm Manager, Zag's experience is in organic, permaculture and sustainable farm practices, nourishing soil structures and local food networks. He is trained in permaculture teaching, with a focus on skilling up new farmers and developing food growing skills in the community.
OUR SPONSORS
Young Henrys is an eclectic group of passionate brewers, distillers, musicians and artists, united for the love of good beer and fine gin.