Rohan and his Wessex Saddleback pigs

Rohan and his Wessex Saddleback pigs

Name and Farm:

Rohan, Fiona, Eden & Jethro Morris from Gleneden Family Farm

Where and what do you farm?

We’re near Warwick, QLD and we’re a traditional and innovative mixed family farm with a wide variety of small enterprises.

How is food sovereignty important to you?

We would like to be able to earn our living more easily without so much ridiculous, costly and unproductive compliance interference.

What are the main issues that concern you as a farmer?

The ethical, economic and environmental problems in industrial agriculture, as well as the economic viability of small farming models.

How and why did you get into farming?

Rohan is a fourth generation farmer who returned to farming from teaching when we couldn’t find or afford the food we wanted to eat. Fiona is an environmental scientist specialising in sustainable land management.

How do you market your produce?

Through the farm gate, box orders and at farmers markets.

How do you care for the land you farm on?

Gleneden Family Farm draws sustainable/regenerative farming information and practices from a wide set of sources including; organics, holistic management, grass farming, permaculture, biodynamics, soil science etc. We farm to improve the diversity, fertility and viability of our landscape and production systems.

Eden & Jethro at Gleneden Family Farm

Eden & Jethro at Gleneden Family Farm

Tell us about context of the land you farm on and the community that surrounds you.

We are on a new farm (4 months) in a new district and have received kind support from our community thus far.

What do you see as the biggest issues in our food system?

Industrial food and associated regulations as the accepted and supported food model. The only way to change this is to educate until at least 51% of the population buy and vote on ethical and healthy principles.

How do you think farmers could be better supported?

People should buy everything they can direct from good local farms instead of from supermarkets.

Do you have any plans or goals for the future on your farm?

To live here long, happy and healthy, growing good food for appreciative people. To foster new connections between urban and rural families.

What do you love about farming?

The work environment. The involvement of friends and family. The physical labour. The practical and mental challenges. The healthy lifestyle. The opportunity to care for a landscape and bring about positive change in our local environment, community and economy.

What is most challenging about farming?

Finding the path to small-scale viability amidst a regulatory system that makes it almost impossible.

What does a fair food system look like to you?

In a fair food system, everyone should have the freedom to sell, buy and eat the food that they decide is good for them. Everyone should have the responsibility to make informed decisions, without nannying, interference or restriction from the organisations elected to represent us.

 

Published On: 20 June, 2017Categories: Fair Food Farmers United, Women