A Birregurra farmer has joined a new project to transform unused educational spaces into market farms to provide food for the local community.
Award-winning Birregurra restaurant Brae head farmer Nina Breidahl teamed up with the Farm My School not-for-profit association as a regenerative farmer for a new project.
Mrs Breidahl said she was excited to bring her knowledge of farming to a community focussed project and for a partnership with Bellarine Secondary College.
“This is such an exciting project that so many people are emotionally invested in. We’ve got so many volunteers coming in and the school is so behind it,” she said.
“It’s such a different context and purpose to a restaurant like Brae, but I want to remain true to who I am as a farmer.
“That is someone who respects the environment and grows beautiful organic food at hopefully an accessible price point for the local community.”
Mrs Breidahl said it was important for students and schools to have a positive relationship with farming.
“I really want to build a well-functioning farm that has well run systems, where people can come in and volunteer and know what’s expected of them,” she said.
“Where we have a great relationship with the students and that they’re getting something out of it, we’re getting something out of it, people get great food and get to put their hands in the ground – which I think is achievable.”
Mrs Breidahl said the already well-planted Bellarine Secondary College farm needed a particular purple-leaf vegetable.
“I’m obsessed with radicchio. It’s my favourite vegetable and it’s so under-rated, so I can’t wait to plant some of that,” she said.
Farm My School founder James McLennan said he was glad to have Mrs Breidahl join the project and help teach students about the importance of healthy eating.
“Communities are the key to localising food in an equitable way,” he said.
“Schools provide a unique opportunity to engage children, families and communities in promoting healthy food systems.
“We’re thrilled to have Nina join our team to help us continue to develop urban farming that connects farmers with schools and brings local food production back into the heart of our communities.”
