Are you interested in growing your food but don’t have access to land? Or maybe you’re a landowner with idle or underutilized land? Land sharing might be the solution you’re looking for. Land sharing is an innovative approach to agriculture that promotes collaboration between landowners and individuals or groups interested in using the land for food production. This practice is gaining popularity in Australia, as it can help boost food production while providing benefits to landowners.
- Land sharing can increase food production in Australia by utilizing unused land.
- The practice involves connecting landowners with farmers to share land and resources.
- Land sharing can also have environmental benefits by promoting sustainable farming practices.
What is Land Sharing?
Land sharing, also known as co-farming or share farming, is a practice that involves two or more parties collaborating to produce food on a piece of land. The landowner provides the land while the other party brings in the resources needed to grow food, such as seeds, tools, equipment, and labor. This approach differs from traditional farming, where the landowner is also responsible for managing the farm and producing the crops.
While land sharing has many benefits, it’s essential to consider the challenges and limitations of this approach. For example, it can be challenging to find compatible partners and agree on the terms of collaboration. Additionally, land sharing requires specific qualifications and skills, such as knowledge of agriculture, business management, and communication.
Benefits of Land Sharing
Land sharing has many benefits for both landowners and food growers. Some of the advantages of land sharing include:
| Initiative | Description | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landshare | A government-run program that connects landowners with individuals or groups interested in using their land for food production. The program provides a database of available land and resources for growers, as well as support and advice for landowners. | Victoria | Landshare |
| Community Gardens Network | A network of community gardens across New South Wales that provides resources and support for individuals or groups interested in starting a community garden. The network also hosts events and workshops to promote sustainable agriculture and community building. | New South Wales | Community Gardens Network |
| Food Connect Shed | A community-supported agriculture (CSA) program that connects growers with consumers through a weekly food box delivery service. The program sources its produce from small-scale growers in the Brisbane area and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. | Queensland | Food Connect Shed |
| Farming Together | A government-funded program that provides resources and support for small-scale growers and cooperatives. The program offers advice on business management, marketing, and sustainable agriculture practices, as well as funding opportunities for eligible projects. | Nationwide | Farming Together |
| Urban Farming Tasmania | A community-driven initiative that promotes urban agriculture in Tasmania. The initiative provides resources and support for individuals or groups interested in starting a community garden or urban farm, as well as hosting events and workshops to promote sustainable agriculture practices. | Tasmania | Urban Farming Tasmania |
Sustainable Agriculture
Land sharing promotes sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and soil conservation. By using sustainable practices, land sharing can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and preserve the land for future generations.
Community Building
Land sharing can help build stronger communities by bringing people together around a common goal of producing food. Working together allows people to share knowledge, resources, and experiences, creating a sense of belonging and connection.
Cost Savings
Land sharing can be a cost-effective way to produce food, especially for small-scale growers who need more resources to purchase land and equipment. Land sharers can reduce expenses and increase profitability by sharing resources and expertise.
Specific examples of successful land-sharing initiatives in Australia include the Victorian Government’s Landshare program and the New South Wales Community Gardens Network. These programs have helped connect landowners with food growers, increasing food production and strengthening local communities.
How Land Sharing Works
Land sharing can take many forms, depending on the needs and preferences of the parties involved. Some common arrangements include:
Crop Sharing
Crop sharing involves the landowner providing the land, while the grower provides the resources needed to produce crops. The produce is then divided between the two parties, usually based on a pre-arranged agreement.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are a form of land sharing where individuals or groups come together to grow food on a piece of land. The land can be owned by a private individual, a community organization, or a local government. Community gardens can be a great way to promote local food production and build stronger communities.
Share Farming
Share farming involves the landowner and the grower entering into a partnership where they share the risks and rewards of farming. The grower provides the labor and resources needed to produce crops, while the landowner provides the land and some of the capital. The profits are then shared between the two parties based on a pre-arranged agreement.
A Real-Life Example of Successful Land Sharing
In 2018, John and Sarah, a retired couple from rural New South Wales, decided to lease their 5-acre property to a young couple, Tom and Emma, who were passionate about sustainable farming. The land had been left unused for years, and the couple needed help to maintain it independently.
Tom and Emma approached John and Sarah with a proposal to use the land for organic farming in exchange for a portion of the crop. The couple agreed, and the land was soon transformed into a thriving agroecological farm.
Tom and Emma implemented a rotational grazing system for their livestock, which included chickens, pigs, and cows. They also grew a variety of vegetables and fruits using permaculture techniques. John and Sarah were thrilled to see their land being used well and pleasantly surprised by the amount and quality of produce they received.
After a year of successful land sharing, Tom and Emma were able to save enough money to purchase their own farm nearby. John and Sarah were happy to see the land being passed on to another passionate farmer and continue to support sustainable farming practices.
This real-life example highlights the benefits of land sharing for food production, building community connections, and supporting young farmers. It also demonstrates how unused land can be transformed into a productive and sustainable resource with the right management and care.
Land Sharing in Australia
Land sharing is becoming increasingly popular in Australia as more people are looking for ways to produce food locally and sustainably. Several land-sharing initiatives have been launched nationwide in recent years, such as the Victorian Government’s Landshare program and the New South Wales Community Gardens Network.
Land sharing can be particularly beneficial in rural areas, where there is often a surplus of idle or underutilised land. By sharing this land with others, rural landowners can help support local food production and create new opportunities for small-scale growers.
Conclusion
Land sharing is an innovative approach to agriculture that can help boost food production in Australia while also providing benefits to landowners. By collaborating with others to produce food, landowners can use their idle or underutilised land, while growers can access the resources and expertise they need to produce crops. Land sharing is a win-win situation for both parties, as it can promote sustainable agriculture, build stronger communities, and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. If you’re interested in land sharing, start by contacting your local community garden or agriculture organization to learn more about opportunities in your area.