Why is there a farm in the burbs? *Hint: it’s not just about the produce*
You may have heard about our urban agriculture project, a social enterprise called 'The Farm Next Door'. We love its impact on the community, and it runs deeper than you might think!
The Farm Next Door is a volunteer-run urban farm community that provides accessible naturally grown produce to the local neighbourhood.
Located on a number of regular house blocks in Norlane, the urban farm started as a collaboration between NCI, Lachie Chomley and Joel Inei, Geelong locals interested in farming communities and sustainability.
On a surface level, the farm makes nutritious and delicious produce accessible to the local community. But beneath the surface, the farm is sowing seeds of hope in the community and growing a real sense of change.
Now, let's dive in.
Increasing Affordability & Accessibility:
The urban farm helps provide some families with an additional source of healthy, low-cost produce. We're also finding people who engage in urban farming eat more fruits and vegetables. There's something very rewarding about enjoying something you helped grow from scratch.
Greening up the planet:
NCI plans on becoming a sustainable community leaving minimal impact on the earth. By working with the planet rather than against it, the urban farm is sustainable and causes minimal waste. Plus, it sets a great example to the broader community, inviting them to consider ways to live more sustainably.
Education & Learning New Skills:
Volunteers and residents have the opportunity to work on the farm and learn how to care for agriculture and grow produce from scratch. Not to mention - it's incredibly therapeutic spending time with the earth.
Sense of community:
The space is not only a place where people can learn about and participate in growing their own food but where neighbourhood bonds are strengthened with a sense of belonging and purpose. It's a collective project, and everyone has a sense of responsibility, ownership, and pride for the farm's amazing produce.
You can support the Farm Next Door by coming along to social events held every Saturday from 10am – 11am, or follow the farms story on Instagram