Victoria Meyer
The farm I am currently working on is Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens (MAFG), a certified organic heritage fruit orchard with over 90 varieties of apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots. The property is 24 hectares with 10 hectares of orchard.
I am 29, from South Australia, and have supported the organic industry for the last 14 years as a consumer. I have been studying and working in horticulture, permaculture and organic farming for the last four years. Prior to that I completed a science degree majoring in sustainability leading me to realise how important organic and sustainable agriculture is for the wellbeing of humans and the environment. I am passionate about organic agriculture and intend to make it my lifelong career. Currently I am undertaking an internship at MAFG though the OFA.
My ambition over the next five years is to start and successfully run my own small scale organic, bio-intensive urban farm on approximately an acre focusing on nutrient dense annual vegetable production to sell locally and affordably. After the first year I aim to run workshops on small scale organic farming and backyard food production. I also aim to raise awareness about the importance of local organic food by engaging with local community groups.
I would like to see the organic industry continue to grow and assist current conventional farmers to transition to organic methods. I would like to see more organic farms starting, especially small scale run by young people. If the industry creates more pathways, such as the OFA internship program, affordable access to land and capital, then young people will have more options.
What sets me apart is that I intend to not only produce the highest quality food according to best practise organic and biological farming, but I will continue to spread the message of organic agriculture. My message is not just about food, it is about community, climate change, biodiversity, health and so much more. I want my farm to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of food and farming in Australia.
