Mini Farm at Woodstock
The Mini Farm Project, proposes the development of a charity farm at Woodstock property of Youth Enterprise Trust (YET). A pioneering 10-acre youth training farm aimed at alleviating food insecurity while empowering young people through education and employment. The farm will provide training opportunities for up to 20 students every course cycle to achieve a Certificate II in Horticulture. The produce cultivated will be donated to local charities to support vulnerable families and communities. The site will provide home to a variety of community programs.
The project will be executed in five stages, beginning in October 2025, with development timelines subject to funding availability and funding.
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Site Purpose and Vision
Purpose:
Produce up to 50,000 meals per acre per year.
Establish a youth training farm to empower young people with agricultural skills.
Provide fresh produce free of charge to local charities, directly addressing food insecurity.
Foster community engagement and sustainable practices through partnerships and educational programs.
Objectives:
Train up to 20 students every six months, providing them with hands-on experience and a Horticulture Certificate II.
Partner with local employers to create job opportunities for successful graduates.
Build a scalable and sustainable farm model to serve as a blueprint for future developments.
Site Development Plan
Stage 1
- Scope: Develop 1 acre with shipping containers as operational hubs near the nursery.
- Timeline: Start October 2025.
- Staffing: Employ 1 full-time farmer and 1 casual farmer.
- Output: Produce for local charities begins.
- Lease 1 acre start: July 1, 2026, pending funding source
- Equipment storage & Site Planning Access: Store equipment and site planning from approval of this plan by YET. Seek access to electricity.
Stage 2
- Scope: Develop a second acre and integrate the nursery into farm operations.
- Timeline: June 2026.
- Staffing: Employ a second full-time farmer.
- Output: Increased production and operational capacity.
Stage 3
- Scope: Develop a third acre to expand crop variety and volume.
- Timeline: September 2026.
- Staffing: Employ a second casual farmer.
- Output: Enhanced food donation capacity.
Stage 4
- Scope: Develop the fourth and fifth acres, focusing on diverse and high-yield crops. Use of site office.
- Timeline: March 2027.
- Output: Full operational scale achieved.
Stage 5
- Scope: Develop the remaining area for community and commercial initiatives.
- Timeline: Dependent on funding availability.
- Output: Expand farm sustainability and community impact.
Social and Economic Impact
Youth Empowerment: Equip up to 20 students annually with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience.
Food Relief: Provide fresh, nutritious food to local charities, addressing food insecurity in the community.
Job Creation: Employ a minimum of 4 staff members by 2027, with potential for additional roles as the farm scales.
Community Engagement: Foster connections through on-site tours and educational programs, encouraging public awareness of sustainable
farming and food insecurity solutions.
Funding Requirements
The Mini Farm Project will seek funding to cover:
- Infrastructure development (shipping containers, tools, irrigation systems).
- Staffing costs for full-time and casual farmers.
- Program materials for student training.
- Bore water drilling and pump.
- Access to 3 phase electricity.
Total Estimated Funding Need: $640,000 over three years.