2016 BANKSIA SMALL TO MEDIUM BUSINESS

The Farmer’s Place, VIC

The Farmer’s Place is a small working farm, cafe and farmers market in Freshwater Creek; located twenty minutes from Geelong at the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The business was founded in 2014 by Robert Pascoe; owner of environmental company Closed Loop, local farmer, entrepreneur and passionate environmentalist. The Farmer’s Place is the realisation of Robert’s dream to create a unique paddock to plate to paddock operation showcasing sustainability and the best local produce our region has to offer. On the property of 40 acres, visitors can see farm animals, raised vegetable gardens and orchards planted with a variety of fruit trees. The cafe is made from recycled shipping containers, the fit out is fashioned from recycled materials and sustainable waste, water and energy practices are in place. The cafe’s seasonal menu is inspired by what is growing in the garden and what can be readily sourced from local producers. Sales of regional goods are further supported through the onsite marketplace which acts as a consolidated farm gate for these producers to sell their goods to the public. The Farmer’s Place strives to be more than just a farm, cafe and farmer’s market. We are a mission driven business that believes that aligning purpose with profit is vitally important. Our vision is to be a local sustainability hub which demonstrates sustainable business, food and farming practices, promotes and supports local food production and enables people to reconnect with their food and where it comes from.