The Farm now offers small land areas (1000m2 - 6000m2 ) with good soil, water, infrastructure, equipment and machinery to 3 or 4 new or experienced growers.
This new opportunity will suit aspiring market gardeners seeking a low-cost solution to starting their own business. It will also continue the SAGE mission of growing the local fair food community.
Growers can apply for designated areas, all of which are serviced by the irrigation system and are currently under a winter green manure crop. They will also have use of all the equipment, machinery and wash and process facilities on a shared basis.The new growers can operate independently but opportunities for collaboration and support, and the network of existing skilled growers and markets are a feature of this community developed and supported project. The award winning, SAGE Farmers Market (10mins distance from the farm) is an added bonus offering an established, year round, sales outlet.
The land will be available from June. Successful applicants will sign a simple licence agreement, tenancy will be for a minimum period of 12 months. Costs will be finalised when EOIs have been considered, and can be expected to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.75 pa per square metre for open beds, poly tunnels will attract a 100% premium.
Please send your expression of interest outlining your experience and plans for the future to Mark Barraclough, President, Stepping Stone Farm Inc via secretary@sageproject.org.au