Agribusiness FAQ’s
There are many questions that interested young farmers have been sending to us which we will answer here. As further questions come in, we will include them in the list and document the answers. If you have a burning question and need it answered ASAP, please send us a message via the contact details below.
1. Why is Synchronicity Farm interested in creating this opportunity for young farmers?
We are really focussed on empowering young farmers to build a viable agribusiness in a way that makes the entry point more accessible and provides the confidence to develop an enterprise in a highly supportive environment. One of the strongest reasons why this initiative has been developed is that we need to increase food production to meet the expanding needs of our retail and wholesale customers who want organic food with a local story.
2. When will the Information Day be held for Farmers wanting to learn more about the opportunity?
The first of a series of Information Days will be held at Synchronicity farm in January 2016. Make sure if you are interested that you register as a Farmer or Mentor so that you will receive a personal invitation.
3. How many Agribusiness Farmer positions are available?
The final numbers will depend on the sizes of each lease however we envisage 6 positions will be made available for carefully selected successful applicants.
4. Where is the land on offer located?
Land is located at 632 Orara Way Nana Glen NSW 2450
5. How much land has been allocated for lease?
Synchronicity Farm has allocated 12 Acres of easy-to-farm fertile river flats with very little risk of flooding.
6. What are the likely selection criteria for interested participants?
Applications are open to any Australian resident with a desire to learn more about farming
and who are ready to start their journey to build a great food business. The management
panel will be evaluating applicants through the following stages;
- Answers to the Initial Registration
- Responses to the Formal Application
- Face to Face Interview Series
- Attendance and participation at the Training Workshops
- Evaluation of the Business Strategy Submission
7. What are the terms and conditions of the lease arrangement?
We are working through this significant task with our legal representation and look forward to presenting applicants that progress to the interview stage with a lease contract for their review at that time.
8. What are the ‘cash crops’ that will grow in the region?
The following crops are successfully growing in the region;
Outdoors (Uncovered)
- Garlic
- Leafy Greens
- Herbs
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Kiwifruit
- Citrus
Indoors (Hothouse/Netting)
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Mushrooms
- Cucumbers
9. What is the quality of the soil with regard to fertility?
The river flats that have been allocated for the farm plots is essentially virgin ground that has had cattle grazing on it for over 20 years. As a good indication of fertility, our neighbours have used the same land (on their side of the fence) to grow exceptional crops of corn, ryegrass, lucerne and soybeans as well as grazing the land with a high stock/acre ratio.
As part of the program, the soil will be tested and these results will be made available to the Agribusiness Farmers during the application process.
10.What will this program offer as services to help our Agribusiness Farmers to be more successful?
Depending on the inherent skills, experience and resources of each Agribusiness Farmer, the following support will be packaged to meet the individual needs of each enterprise. Through collective buying power, volunteers, grant funds and direct investment, there will
- Access to Machinery and Equipment
- Irrigation Systems and Shared Water Rights
- Negotiated group discounts on farming inputs
- Formal mentoring support
- Access to ongoing skills training including online material and webinars
- Physical workshops, practical demonstrations and masterclasses
- Business, operational and financial management advice
- Marketing insights, sales support and reporting services
- Access to Market channels to sell produce
11. What are the channels to market available for farmers to sell the food they grow on this land?
- On farm retail outlet
- Direct to existing wholesale clients
- Online food sales platform
- Food box program
- Wider market agents
12. What access to the land will be available to the Agribusiness Farmers?
To be able to effectively manage the activities of each farm enterprise, a flexible access arrangement will be structured to suit the needs of both the farmer and the Agribusiness Management Group
13. Who is the primary contact for this Agribusiness Incubation Project?
Joshua Allen
Program Facilitator
P: 02 6654 3554
M: 0411 846 000
E: agribusiness@synchronicityfarm.com
