IMAGINE A MORE BEAUTIFUL FOOD FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIA
We envisage a renaissance of small-scale Regenerative Agriculture, creating a truly sustainable food future for everyone. During this transition from agri-chemical monocropping to a more natural approach, we believe in growing a deeper connection between community and nature. We hope this renewed connection between land, food and health will inspire people to live happier, healthier lifestyles. There’s never been a better time to get involved. So come and join the Friendly Farms Network and find out how you can help create Healthy Land, Healthy Food and Healthy People.
HEALTHY LAND
We work together to build regenerated and productive landscapes filled with flourishing biodiversity. Increased water holding capacity and a functioning water cycle contribute to climate recovery.
HEALTHY FOOD
Regenerated landscapes mean healthy plants and soils that optimise the nutritional content of our produce. Our seasonal food options are expanded, resulting in improved food security, as well as seed sovereignty.
HEALTHY PEOPLE
The more biodiversity, the better our health. Food prepared from healthy and nutritious crops from hydrated agro-ecological farmscapes help build immunity and over-all heath.
The Story So far…
THE PROBLEM
Australia is suffering from the result of more than 200 years of over-extractive agriculture which has adversely affected our entire landscape.
97% of pre-European rainforests have been cut down and over 95% of pre-European wetlands have been drained since the introduction of European farming techniques.
Since the introduction of Industrial Agriculture some decades ago, we have seen widespread use of chemicals and synthesised fertilizers on monocrops as well as mass livestock over-grazing. This has lead to a devastating loss of biodiversity and massive soil erosion across Australia, with huge losses of water as a result.
Now the impact of Industrial Agriculture as a major contributor to climate change is becoming increasingly clear. The recent severe droughts, fires and floods we have experienced are merely the symptoms of a widespread ecosystem collapse right across our country.
So, what can we do?
Friendly Farms exists to…
CONNECT
Via the Friendly Farms Network, we promote events, field days, workshops and webinars of Regenerative Agriculture groups and individuals – linking you with the pioneers and practitioners.
COMMUNICATE
Using the power of storytelling and social media, we aim to inform and inspire. We feel the best way to do this is by sharing personal stories as well as showing the results – the ‘before and after’ and the ‘how to’.
COLLABORATE
We work together by sharing our collective knowledge – Friendly Farms stories and other resources – to support local, state and nationwide Regenerative Agriculture projects.
How can you help?
DONATE TO THE CAUSE
SHARE OUR STORIES
JOIN THE NETWORK
HELP BY SHARING OUR STORIES, EVENTS AND RESOURCES WITH OTHERS.
WATCH OUR STORIES
For over a decade, Friendly Farms have been promoting the pioneers of Regenerative Agriculture and supporting our Farmers in Transition – both in Australia and on the world stage. From boots-on-farms to participating in the Global Landscapes Forums (GLF), UNEP Finance Roundtable and UN FCCC COP 25 Madrid (UN Climate Change conference). Relax and enjoy some of the stories we have covered over the years…
NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE RECOVERY
“Nature Based Solutions (NBS) can provide at least a third of the solution to climate change but receive less than 3% of the funding from current available climate finance.”
THINK LANDSCAPE: FROM GLOBAL LANDSCAPES FORUM TO GLFx
GLFx is a global community of independently organised local landscape chapters, where passionate people meet in their town or city, and meet online in dedicated communities of practice.
A GIFT OF NATURE WITH DR JAN POKORNY
Which is better… the shade of an umbrella or the shade of a tree? A random leaf falling into Dr Jan Pokorný’s beer in Bohemia, sparks this intriguing question and leads a stunning discovery…
GARDEN OF ADON AT HAZELCOMBE FARM
A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE WITH NSF
“If the Australian landscape was better understood, we could save the world from environmental disaster.” ~ Peter Andrews OAM
A DROP OF INSPIRATION WITH MICHAL KRAVCIK
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH OUR EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND COURSES.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friendly Farms has been producing ground-breaking events, featuring speakers such as Dr Vandana Shiva, Joel Salatin, Peter Andrews OAM, Zachary Weiss and have supported well over 100 community documentary screenings.
We also promote events by third parties that we believe make a real difference in transitioning to a better form of farming.
Friendly Farms recommends:
- Field Days by The Australian Landscape Science Institute
- Natural Sequence Farming courses by Tarwyn Park Training
Our past events
MEET THE FRIENDLY FARMS TEAM
Friendly Farms dedicated to promoting Regenerative Agriculture for healthy land, healthy food, and healthy people.
MATT ROBINSON
Matt joined the Friendly Farms team wanting to help make a positive change and be actively involved in spreading the good word of Nature Based Solutions and Regenerative Agriculture. Starting in Permaculture and moving through to Natural Sequence Farming, Matt, like many others, was on a quest to find where and how to make the change, which lead him to landscape restoration.
An artist and graphic designer at heart and from an impressive international marketing & events background, he is instrumental in all Friendly Farms communications.
His 3 biggest strengths are relationship building, communication and getting the job done.
NICKI POWER
Nicki is growing a regenerative community at Hazelcombe Farm, with Dan and a cast of a thousand critters and characters! She was one of the first female Honours Physicists at the ANU and gained an Engineering Master’s Degree in fluid dynamics.
Nicki enjoyed a successful career at the ABC as Senior Business Systems Analyst and co-founded a TV Production business. In her spare time, Nicki helped guide strategic planning for a number of orgs including the Stock Exchange, AREC and the State Department.
Now, Nicki is devoted to making the world a more beautiful place every day, starting with the lovely patch at Hazelcombe Farm.
PETE DOWSON
Pete is a Sydney-born media producer who makes positive stories for change. Pete has a Commerce degree but focusses on media and communications to share knowledge and make a difference. He loves to show others how to find and make their own stories, using simple tools and everyday tech. Growing up in a place of natural abundance, Pete is always ready to step up and support environmental causes as well.
Pete’s 3 biggest strengths are ideation, interconnectedness and inspiration.
BEATRICE LUDWIG
Beatrice is a lawyer who advocates for organic small-scale agriculture. Beatrice has training in Natural Sequence Farming, Agroecology, Agroforestry, Holistic Management, Permaculture and Earthworks. Most recently, Beatrice achieved competency in Landscape Finance, Landscape Governance and Landscape Leadership. For five years, Beatrice produced weekly sustainability events and special events focussing on regenerative organic agriculture.
Beatrice’s 3 biggest strengths are strategy, empathy and individualisation.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FRIENDLY FARMS NETWORK
Please note that we will only send you relevant information on news, events, workshops and other Friendly Farms activities. Your personal information will remain private and will not be passed onto any third parties. We will send you a personal email to welcome you to the Friendly Farms Network and ask you how you would like to get involved.
DONATE TO FRIENDLY FARMS
Become a paid subscriber to Friendly Farms on the Start Some Good platform.
Alternatively you can make a donation via bank transfer:
Friendly Farms Limited
Sydney Mutual Bank
BSB: 611001
Acc No: 157442
