OVERVIEW
The Sprout Producer Program allows farmers to engage and connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to small-scale farming, responsible stewardship of their land, and contributing to resilient local food systems.
At Sprout, we collaborate with small-scale farmers at every stage, from those just beginning to seasoned growers. Our farmers range from backyard plots to operations spanning hundreds of hectares, with some fully relying on their farms for income, while others pursue farming alongside other work. Across this spectrum, one common theme we hear is the need for a dedicated space where small-scale producers can connect and discuss the unique challenges they face compared to large corporate farms. These conversations might centre on scaling issues, environmental stewardship, supporting local communities, or balancing productivity with staying true to core values.
We continue to adapt the Sprout Producer Program to help address these needs.
AIMS
- Establish a peer support network for small-scale farmers
- Encourage a reflective and goal orientated approach to build capacity and resilience of small-scale farmers and their enterprises
- Offer resources and opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills
- Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers
- Support farmers to thrive for themselves, their communities, and for the environment
- Strengthen the food and farming systems in Tasmania
BENEFITS
- Access to a supportive and knowledgeable network
- On-farm field days focused on personal and community development
- Workshops and educational resources to develop understanding of agroecological practices
- Support from experienced facilitators and experts
- Access to peer support through online groups
Structure
The Sprout Producer Program will take place across (approximately) 6 months, from February to August 2025, to give participants the ability to develop strong connections and maintain momentum, yet still ensuring space for their important on-farm and off-farm responsibilities. The main elements of the program are:
- Opening Connections Session – 2 days (most likely Friday/Saturday)
- SPP Field Trips – full day per visit (number to be determined by the cohort size) that may include farm tours, group sessions and/or workshops
- Self-directed community project work in small groups (based online)
- Informal online group hangouts
- Free access to self-directed education on the Sprout Hub
- Closing Connections Session – 2 days (most likely Friday/Saturday)
YOUR COMMITMENT
Time
The Sprout Producer Program is designed so that you get out what you put in. Each year the program is tailored to the number of participants and while we understand that on-farm and off-farm lives are busy, successful applicants must commit to active participation with collaborative work as well as attendance at the below:
- Field trips. There will be a minimum of 6 full-day field trips and they will require travel around the state. They may also involve whole weekends and require overnight accommodation.
- The two Connections Sessions (2 days per session, one in the north and one in the south of the state).
- Online group hangouts (minimum of 6) – 1 hour each.
- Group work
Participant contribution
Sprout would like to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors. This support enables us to keep the participant contribution portion at an accessible level. For 2025, a contribution of $385 (inc. GST) will be required per participant.
Selection Criteria
Applications are open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- New and existing farmers in Tasmania
- Farmers with a genuine commitment to agroecological practices
- Farmers looking for support to thrive and find their pathway in farming
- Farmers who are willing to actively engage with and contribute to the program, and participate in collaborative work aimed at improving them as people, the environment, and their community
If you are ready to thrive, find your role in agriculture, build community, and strengthen Tasmania’s food and farming system, then apply now.
- Applications open: Monday 23 September 2024 at 6:00am.
- Applications close: Sunday 20 October 2024 at 11.59pm.
Process of review
- Applications must be received via the online form, submitted by the due date and time.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Review of applications will take place over a two week period – 21 October through to 1 November 2024.
- This review will be undertaken by the Sprout staff and board of directors.
- Those selected to continue through to interviews will be notified prior to 1 November 2024.
- Those who have not been selected to go through to the interview round will be notified also by 1 November 2024.
- Interviews will take place during the week of 4 November 2024.
READY TO APPLY? LET’S GO!
Current Sprout Producers
Meet our current cohort of Sprout Producer Program Participants!
Sprout Producer alumni
Meet the growing list of those producers who have been through the program.