TIME TO SPROUT OUT AGAIN
Media Release – September 2022
Calling all Tassie producers who are ‘growing good’ in their community
The latest round of applications for the Sprout Producer Program scholarships for 2023 is open.
Each year Sprout supports a cohort of carefully selected farmers through a 12-month long program. Participants are brought together both online and in person throughout the year, and are able to further their learning in both farming and business skills, as well as connect as a cohort, build vital support networks and find a community of like-minded people.
With an increased focus from the community on where our fresh food is grown and farmed, what methods are used on farm, and how many miles it has travelled, there has in turn been an increase in demand for local Tasmanian produce. Sprout strives to support and empower local Tassie farmers who are keen to sell to their local community and farm sustainably, with animal welfare, soil health and the environment being top priorities.
Sprout CEO Jennifer Robinson said she would love to see applications flooding in from all parts of the State.
“If you are a farmer who is keen to gain support, meet like minded people and be a part of group that has your back during what can sometimes be a daunting and challenging journey, then Sprout is for you,” she said.
“We are also keen to hear from farmers who perhaps are looking to make that transition from synthetic inputs, to a more sustainable and regenerative way of farming. We know this can be a really tricky prospect, but the outcomes are there for those that make the transition and we are really happy to work with people who have a drive for change.”
Ollie Benson, Sprout’s Producer Liaison who runs the Sprout Producer Program, works closely with each participant in the program.
“We are so proud of the Sprout Producer Program and everything it offers. Throughout the year we provide training on a variety of farming and business subjects through our online education centre, the Sprout Hub, but we also tailor the program for each of the producers by identifying specific areas that we can help with. That might be via connections with other farmers, or by one-to-one sessions with experts in a certain field. A key goal is to provide each producer with confidence and skillsets to advance their farming business and ensure it’s sustainable for themselves, as well as the land on which they farm.”
Applications close on Monday 26th September at 11.59pm AEST.
Sprout Tasmania is a non-profit, volunteer supported organisation that supports small-scale, ethical producers to get their projects in the ground, growing and to market.
For more information about the Sprout Producer Program – https://www.sprout.org.au/for-producers/sprout-producer-program