A youth-led, designed and innovated market garden program and future regenerative agriculture hub. Green for Youth will provide access to land, education and firsthand experience for future farmers whilst simultaneously improving community food security and combating climate change.

WHO?

A local northern rivers ADVISORY BOARD WILL SELECT AN INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE COHORT OF YOUTH, TO COME TOGETHER AND DETERMINE A SOLUTION FOR THE CREATION OF A REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE HUB. THE HUB WILL ACT AS AN INCUBATOR FOR FUTURE NORTHERN RIVERS FARMERS BY PROVIDING EDUCATION, MENTORING AND NETWORK DEVELOPMENT.

WHAT?

The program will be guided by the principles of regenerative agriculture and have a community food waste composting element. Green For Youth will provide access to a shared space, to be farmed and managed by the cohort themselves.  Providing youth leaders with the opportunity to guide outcomes and build capacity to positively affect local economic and political systems.

Addressing the community need for a platform to allow youth leaders to experience firsthand the running and operating of a regenerative farm. By providing information, tools and guidance that will allow youth leaders to cultivate a solution for the development of a long-term sustainable space, young people can learn to take effective action on environmental issues in their own way.

Youth leaders will undertake a 12-week regenerative agriculture educational program led by highly experienced practitioners from our local community. This education will promote youth innovation and leadership, empowering them to reach their full potential. Every year a new cohort will be selected to partake in the Green For Youth program. As a result, the youth cohorts will further develop the land, solutions and initiatives to create the basis of learning for many future farmers of the Northern Rivers, who participate in the program after them.

Opportunities and direction will be given to the youth leaders, but ultimately the outcomes of principal decisions will be made by them. This means deciding what to grow, how to ensure long term sustainability of the project and finally, undertaking the growing-to-market process themselves. The program is a full-scale immersion into what is required to run a successful regenerative market garden without the associated financial risk.

WHEN? 

NOW! Our fundraising target will be instrumental in setting up and launching the regenerative agriculture program. The funding will cover initial salaries, educational development, operating expenses and essential materials needed to get the farm and program up and running.

WHere? 

Located on a highly accessible local 1 – 1 ½ acre plot of land chosen for its desirable characteristics.

WHY? 

The primary issue we aim to address is the lack of access and opportunity for young people in the Northern rivers region to engage in regenerative and organic agriculture. This region, despite rich agricultural history and potential, offers limited spaces where youth can gain practical experience. There is a significant gap in resources and educational programs tailored to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to build a resilient food future.

Additionally, the region faces challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability, which can be effectively mitigated through community led initiatives and education explored by the program. By collecting local food waste, youth leaders can combat climate change and address the ever-growing environmental footprint of the Northern Rivers.

The systemic and structural challenges faced by aspiring regenerative farmers can be overcome by the creation of a system which promotes resource efficiency and the power of community. The platform to be seen, valued and heard will provide participants with a purpose that is greater than themselves, by coming together to share and learn we can change our future for the better.

Our aim is to engage a new generation of composters. The new generation will face environmental challenges with bravery and innovation, ensuring food security and providing education to their peers and community for years to come.

Why give?

  • ✽

    The experience of designing, expediting the development and managing of a regenerative market garden and future agriculture hub will provide local youth with inspiration, self-efficacy and promote a lifelong journey of wellbeing.

  • ✽

    Building community and circular economy principles by including a composting component where the cohort are required to collect community food waste. Here in building the capability of young people to turn their environmental concerns into action. Promoting resilience and a positive life-long impact whilst simultaneously combating climate change in the most effective way.

  • ✽

    Economic and environmental impact through the providence of a secure food network. The program will help young people gain new environmental knowledge, skills and networks by facilitating the development of grower seller relationships.

  • ✽

    Green For You aims to close the loop on food waste by implementing solutions at a local scale. By addressing consumption patterns, challenging resource efficiency and implementing circular economy principles we close the loop on the process and complete the natural cycle.

    Closing the loop on food waste allows for a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation and support of long term and sustainable local jobs. 

Your contributions are helping local youth

aEvery dollar contributed to our project will have a direct impact on the success of our youth-led regenerative market garden. Here is a breakdown of how your support will help:

  • The creation of program framework, guidelines and education principles. These educational initiatives will empower the chosen youth cohort with the skills and knowledge to successfully design and innovate a solution that will be viable for future generations.

  • Cover the costs of essential infrastructure that will enable regenerative principles and work processes to take place. Infrastructure will include learning facilities, growing systems, irrigation, tools and any other necessary supplies. This foundational support will ensure the farm is equipped with the necessary tools to thrive within its means.

  • Supporting community outreach efforts. Organising local markets, community workshops and engaging our Northern Rivers community on the purpose of regenerating our soils and how the actions of the youth-led market farm are facilitating this.

  • Access and inclusivity for youth. One of the main missions here is to provide free education for the youth cohort. Your contributions will facilitate participation regardless of financial situation. The participating youth cohort will receive fresh produce from the farm in exchange for their hard work and effort. Participants will also receive foundational membership access for lifetime reduced cost produce.

  • Improving employability and the providence of a life changing experience. The group will share the workload required to run a market garden, ranging from field work to back end operations such as budget management & reporting, marketing, documentation and work scheduling. The first hand experience of running a business will build the capability and self-efficacy of the group whilst empowering them to fulfill their potential.

Make a donation.

If you are in a position to help financially, head over to our GoFundMe and donate what you can. If you want to help in any other way - Get in touch.

Your support means the world!