the opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced market gardener and/or trainer to lead the design and implementation of a 12 month young farmer training program on the Mornington Peninsula. The Gateway to Small Scale Farming Pilot Training Program is an initiative developed by a group of Mornington Peninsula farms, with support from Agriculture Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire, to help build the next generation of small scale farmers on Mornington Peninsula land.

The Shire is seeking consultants/individuals with the skills, experience and local knowledge to design and implement this first-of-its-kind young farmer training program.

Food Economy and Agroecology Strategy

We're committed to fostering a thriving local food economy, and build resilience through sustainable farming practices, biodiversity and minimal waste.

Pillar four of this Strategy identifies limited training opportunities for young people and a lack of career pathways for new entrants as key limitations for the growth and resilience of the agriculture, food and beverage sector. To address this challenge opportunities for hands-on learning, mentoring with industry experts and pathways into real farming careers need to become available.

The Gateway to Small Scale Farming Training Pilot Program is an initiative of a group of passionate Mornington Peninsula farms to help build the next generation of small-scale farmers on Mornington Peninsula land. The program aims to address local issues of farm labour shortages and food security by equipping young farmers with the skills, contacts and land necessary for successful market gardening enterprises.

the details

The pilot project will commence in September 2023 and aims to train 2-4 young people in all aspects of growing, harvesting, and selling produce for an initial period of 12 months. At the end of the 12-month program, participants will not only have been provided with valuable learning experiences around small-scale regenerative market gardening practices, but we also hope to provide genuine pathways for those interested in continuing to farm.

The project is funded by Agriculture Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire with in-kind support and facilitation from Torello Farm, Uncommon Folk and Barragunda.

next steps

If you are interested in this opportunity to be part of this first-of-its-kind pilot program, please click Apply Now to reach out to the Agribusiness and Food Industry Officer with your interest and application.

For questions regarding the Consultants Brief and to request the quotation documents for this project or please email: [email protected], using the subject line: Consultants - Gateway to Small Scale Farming Pilot Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A consultant brief is attached.