Welcome to our regular feature where you can learn all about natural systems of growing food. Jam packed with practical permaculture tips for gardeners, growers, farmers and beginners alike.
Curated monthly by Jagera ecocommunity, an intergenerational, intentional community based in Maclean, connecting you to permaculture inspired living in the Clarence Valley and beyond. For more information on Jagera visit www.ecocommunity.org.au @Jageraecocommunity
This month we visit Pigface Farm and meet Peta Furyk, a share farmer and commercial market gardener, practising regenerative agriculture on land within Solum Farm, Mororo.
“A personal health crisis in my early 20’s prompted me to question where my food was coming from. I started growing a humble pot of mint on my unit balcony and was amazed at how abundant it became. My thirst for gardening knowledge brought me to Permaculture, starting with a weekend workshop and going on to complete my full permaculture design course in Costa Rica.
Three years working abroad on farms and in ecotourism operations has guided my philosophy of living in harmony with nature; I have an intimate relationship with the land, animals and plants. Even in the rain I’m excited to see what life has blossomed overnight and how to bring that to the community. As I improve the health of the soil and plants I grow and eat, I’m seeing that reflected in my own health.
It’s important I’m the face of my produce at community markets. I can share stories and chat with my customers, learning what they want to eat and sharing tips so they can grow their own food too. I also collaborate with other producers in the area, sourcing local seedlings, bee hives and organic inputs.
Recent natural disasters have demonstrated how fragile our food system is. More people came to me after Cyclone Alfred wanting produce and eggs as people realise they can’t rely on supermarkets. Food security is all about buying local, eating seasonally and getting to know your local farmer. It’s the motivator for me to grow food and help the region become more community-sufficient.
I’m excited to explore ideas such as:
• An egg subscription for people to receive their eggs weekly. Community supported agriculture will help me fund a flock of happy free-range chooks.
• Seasonal veggie boxes offering less common foods like okra and moringa.
• Farm tours and workshops sharing gardening tips and food preservation.
• Volunteer working bees in exchange for produce.
Farming regeneratively is always about improving soil health. This is relevant now with so much rain leaching nutrients from the earth. Before the cyclone, I planted cover crops to increase organic matter and break up waterlogged ground with crops like daikon radish and legumes. After the rain it’s time to feed the soil with whatever you have at hand such as seaweed, manure, compost tea. Now is a good time to plant garlic and winter crops before the next big rains. Take care of the soil and it will take care of you.”
Meet Peta, taste her produce and share your ideas about community food sufficiency at the regional monthly community markets. Follow her @pigface.farm