WELCOME

Young Farmers Connect acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are the traditional custodians of this land and pay respects to the Elders both past and present. We honour their deep knowledge, wisdom and ongoing connection to Country, and seek to learn from this wisdom in the way we interact with each other and the land, sea and sky. We recognise that we farm, work and live as stewards on unceded lands.

WHO WE ARE

  • We empower people to connect; with the land, their food and each other.

  • We are a not-for-profit that unites new, young and aspiring farmers, providing tailored education and peer-to-peer learning across Australia.

  • We provide industry support to those who are under represented or not represented by existing agricultural peak bodies.

  • We understand the barriers and challenges for new farmers and advocate for resources and supportive pathways into the agricultural sector.

  • We are nurturing a diverse membership base that includes farmers, agricultural mentors, food systems thinkers and supporters who collectively build resilient networks and communities.

  • We support land stewardship and agricultural practices that reduce environmental harm, improve human and ecological health and address food security challenges in the midst of a climate crisis.

  • We are following in the footsteps of generations of farmers by continuing to plant seeds of radical optimism.

Loop Growers - Field Day, Samford QLD

Our Story

(YFC) established through the combined efforts of young farmers and food system thinkers around Australia. In 2015 the Northern Rivers Young Farmers Alliance was formed and soon after evolved to become YFC’s first chapter, when it was recognised that the systemic challenges faced by new farmers weren’t being addressed by any central organisation in the Australian landscape.

Next, the NSW Mid North Coast community embraced the concept and formed the second chapter shortly after). YFC has expanded to connect members and farmers across Australian who have coordinated a wide range of field days, workshops and events to bring our community together.

We have been inspired by a legacy of action and success from young farmer organisations around the world including: The Greenhorns (US), The National Young Farmers Coalition (US), Young Agrarians (CA), New Zealand Young Farmers, and Jeunes Agriculteurs (FR).

We have told the stories of young farmers and their pathways into farming, and celebrated this through the release of our inaugural magazine - The Changing Face of Farming in 2021. We have sought to understand the experience of the sector and published research findings with a number of partners including the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sustain: The Australian Food Network, and Farmer Incubator. In 2022we were recognised nationally for our work when we were featured on ABC Landline andawarded the Steadfast Young Landcare Leadership Award.

As an organisation we were significantly impacted by the cumulative disasters - drought, pandemic, fires and floods of 2019-2022. Like all those impacted, we continue to move through rebuilding, reflection and strengthening resilience. This strategic plan sets out our intention to focus on what is within our control during increasingly challenging times. It reveals our plans to build strong organisational foundations, so that we can continue to have a positive impact on the future of farming and food systems in Australia.

Together We Grow

OUR PURPOSE

Young Farmers Connect's purpose is to revive our farm ecosystems, regenerate landscapes and stabilise our climate.

OUR Mission

YFC supports the small-scale farming sector and empowers new, young, and aspiring farmers to thrive in agriculture and to grow resilient local communities for the future.

OUR VISION

Aspiring farmers, farming communities and agricultural enterprises are bright and prosperous. Our communities are fostering collaboration, connection and provoking positive systems change. Land stewards are empowered with practices that revive our ecosystems and stabilise our climate. The next generation have access to land to advance resilient food and farming systems.

Our values

We connect

We work to create a feeling of belonging and being part of a movement. We seek common ground to foster meaningful relationships.

We empower

We aim to help farmers feel supported and guided to achieve their goals. We want our people to be proud of their work and confident in their purpose.

We collaborate

We are stronger together. We support cooperation and friendship, building trust in our relationships and working together towards our shared future.

We are authentic

We have our boots on the ground and dirt under our nails. We are run and led by the people who are impacted by the decisions we make.

We are equitable

We tailor our support to meet people where they are at. We put fairness for farmers at the center of what we do.

We are curious

We are responsive and adaptive. We listen and observe. There is always more to learn.