Riverina agrihood
Grow local, feed local, sell local, care for local nature, support local and connect local.
Our vision
A world where people inspired by their purpose, regenerate relationships with themselves, each other, places and our planet.
Our mission
For a cooperative of regenerative urban farmers to grow 150% of the fresh food needs for the Albury Wodonga population by 2027 and duplicate throughout Australian regional townships by 2030.
What is the agrihood?
A farming method that combines underutilised tracts of public/private land in (sub)urban areas to grow fresh food crops using regenerative methods to feed local residents.
We aim for a central site a processing facility with cool rooms that enables farmers to reach out to selected sites in the township.
Food grown is to feed the farmers first and then excess produce is marketed to local food networks.
Where is it (are they) located?
Initail investigations in the Albury Wodonga townships show there are several sites ranging from 250 sq m through to hectares and two lcoations for a central facility.
This is dependent upon the growing conditions, availability to water and negotiations with land owners.
Further investigations are underway in Beechworth and Yackandandah areas for groups who may wish more rural locations.
If groups are interested then assessment of other townships are welcome.
How will it operate?
Like many cooperatives throughout Australia and the world it will be based upon membership systems, inclusive governance, social enterprise and circular economy.
While each farmer will operate their micro-enterprise as they choose, they will have the support and systems of the cooperative to help them flourish to their heart's desire.
The land will be leased via the cooperative with members accessing rights for farming to suit their needs and intentions.
The details will be co-created by the founding members.
When is this happening?
Sep-Oct 2025 Community information sessions are underway to invite co-founders.
Nov-Dec 2025 - Formation of the cooperative
Jan 2026 - develop an implementation plan and agree funding, membership and operation
Mar-2026 - begin site works and farm setups
Sep-2026 - fresh food production for farming families that also includes social staffing for interested farm workers from, youth and socially challenged backgrounds
Mar - 2027 - setup micro-enterprises to enable marketing and sales ongoing income for farming families
Who is involved
The project was seeded by Dr Jason Hilder from Co-Creating More in 2025.
New members are welcome to be part of the founding stages of the operative and co-create the future
Invitations are sought from
- Co-founder farmers
- Landholders willing to partner
- Relationships with local retailers, cafes
- Investors who see the multiple benefits and can make a ROI
Collaborations with local and state government, farming associations and social good providers are welcome
Why is this needed?
The Australian government has recognised the need for climate resilient agricultural development and food security across the nation.
Regional towns have strong community ties and access to comparatively cheaper land close to population centres compared to cities.
Regenerative methods that balance cultural, ecological, economic and social well-being such as permaculture design, circular economy, localisation and empowerment of community members will build knowledge and skill amoung farmers across the generations and enable people to stand tall knowing they are better able to feed themselves and their family while also generating an income.
A win for people, place and planet.
