Seeking sharefarming land for an agroforestry fruit orchard
Seeking sharefarming land for an agroforestry fruit orchard
Land seeker - Simon Schaffer
Land Details
Property locations (State, Region, Locality) : Ballina Shire, Northern River NSW
Total land size (Acres) required : 25+ acres
Training / relevant skills and expertise :
I have been training and working for the past few years at various agroforestry farms in Australia and Brazil. I have several years of orchard experience and currently working in the custard apple industry.
Business plan details / overview :
I am in the process of developing a business plan for a custard apple orchard using agroforestry methods. I am simultaneously doing market research and a a feasibility study for a 2nd crop. The details will be dependent on the land.
Farm Project
Farm name / business name : not yet available
Project business scope / outline :
I am looking to establish a fruit orchard using Indigenous forest farming methods. I have a primary focus on custard apples, intending to plant about 10 acres. I am currently working in the industry, which has a strong and improving market and is a very suitable crop for this region. There is a local marketing group which sells through wholesale agents in Sydney and Melbourne. I am also investigating a certified organic market. 1-2 other high value options are being explored to complement to winter harvest season of the custard apples.
Short-term goals and vision for project :
This is my first farming business, and I will be pioneering a new type of growing system, which aims to combine high density modern orchard culture with indigenous forest farming methods. Much experimentation is still needed in order to mechanize management and lower operation costs as this is only beginning to be practiced commercially at scale in Australia. As such, my short term goals are to refine planting and management methods and machinery to efficiently operate a commercial orchard. For that reason I have a short term focus on high value crops which are economically viable at small scale, with strong existing markets.
Proposed farm practices: Regenerative agroforestry
The production method uses a modern understanding of indigenous American forest farming, which has been refined in Brazil over the past 30 years (also known as successional agroforestry or syntropic farming). Production occurs under a planted and then intensively managed rainforest canopy. Natural succession is used to create soil fertility, while heavy pruning regulates light availability which stimulates growth pulses and flowering. The large amounts of pruned biomass are mulched in the field to protect and feed the soil. A well managed system should require no external inputs of irrigation, fertilisers, mulch, compost, as well as needing no herbicides, pesticides nor fungicides. The plan is to operate a high density fruit orchard in this system, with tree spacing, tree training (trellis) and pruning practices in line with those of a conventional high-density orchard. This will optimize processes and reduce costs, while existing within a polyculture of supporting species.
Preferred land share arrangement : Looking for a share farming partnership, preferably with a lease to own option, also open to lease for cash.
Preferred land share duration : 20 years minimum
Availability to start : Prefer to start preparations as soon as possible
Land and features required
Production type : Fruit orchard
Cultivatable area if required (acres) : 25+ acres
Ability to expand area currently available (acres) : Area to expand in the future is preferred
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area : Pasture is ideal
Describe your soil needs : Most soils are fine
Housing / infrastructure
Open to residents / owner living on property : Yes
Housing and/or onsite living opportunities : Not required, although it would be a bonus
Availability to use farm buildings : A machinery and packing shed with cool room, water and electricity and truck access. I am able to build/extend if there is no current infrastructure
Fencing : needs to be fenced if there are livestock on the property
Access to farm machinery and tools : Not required , although some farm machinery could be included in the arrangement
Total water access and availability requirements : I don't need water access for irrigation (only for packing shed)
Access for visitors/workers : Yes
Personal details
Business plan is available although the details are dependent on the land and the share agreement
Resume and references available on request
Are you seeking mentorship or partnership advisory from the landholder ? No
Existing farm online media
Website n/a
Facebook page n/a
Contact Simon Schaffer to discuss this opportunity
