Planting the Seed

First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (FPMMAC) and Food Next Door Co-op (FND) are exploring how to bring together their respective knowledge bases to build a healthy and thriving native foods economy in our region. Regenerative Communities were engaged in 2021 to explore how they can work together to address co-evolving goals related to Indigenous food sovereignty, a strong local food system and advancing regenerative farming in the Millewa-Mallee.

During 2021 research was conducted by Regenerative Communities in partnership with FPMMAC and FND including a series of farm exchange events, consultation with local consumers and conversations with relevant local and national organisations. Desktop research combined with a strong knowledge of place held by all involved included a history of farming in the Millewa-Mallee, regenerative farming, cultural & intellectual property, and potential native foods to be farmed in the Millewa-Mallee.

If we work with what is unique about the people and place of the Millewa-Mallee, there is an abundance of inspiration and potential to manifest into new farms that regenerate land, new business enterprises with a community impact, and new products and ingredients that share the story of our region.

By respecting cultural & intellectual property we can create an Indigenous-led native foods industry in the Mallee to deliver social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits to the First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee.

For the Millewa-Mallee to move forward and continue to be known as a place which nourishes the Australian and international community of eaters, we must acknowledge and elevate First Peoples knowledge and culture. Embracing regenerative farming practices and principles in the Millewa-Mallee presents us with the potential to demonstrate how the agriculture industry can lead the country in climate adaptation.