A radical share-farming model based on custodianship, not ownership

This episode explores a share farming model which is radically different. Food system change-makers Kirsten Larsen and Serenity Hill reveal their ground-breaking new collaborative farming model and succession plan designed to improve ecological function, support a diverse range of small-scale businesses, and ensure security of tenure for emerging farmers. These inspirational farmers in North Eastern Victoria have established put the family farm in a trust and created an agreement which over 80 years shifts the equity of their family's farm into a not-for-profit - conditional on improving ecological conditions of the land. Show notes: •Open Food Network (OFN): Started as an online marketplace to match farmers with eaters which supports collaborative distribution •OFN as an open-source platform: Working with people in 29 countries to develop platform. •Model keeps on improving •Regenerative farming something positive for climate and improving ecosystem but it is so labour intensive. We need solution to this problem •Trust the collaborative process to bring along people in to solve problems on the farm •Leasing 400 acres North East Victoria from family (Pukawidgee) and marketing lamb on OFN •Core issue of young farmers is they need security of tenure and longstanding connection •Set up a Non-profit with a long-term lease arrangement with a trust over 80 years •Shift from Land custodianship rather than ownership: improving health should be tied to land custodianship •Building a succession plan around the condition of improving ecological conditions. Further resources: Full story about Kirsten Larsen and Serenity Hill share farming model Open Food Network website Order from Pukawidgee (Warrenbayne Farm Collective) Open Food Network Facebook Page