City group plots an organic future with new farm

THE Hobart City Farm will be a local, organic and vibrant food producer, says one of its founders.

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HOBART City Farm will be a local, organic and vibrant food producer, one of its founders, Hannah Moloney says.

After celebrating the launch of the farm with about 300 people at a party on Saturday, Mrs Moloney and the other four founders – Bridget Stewart, Louise Sales, James Da Costa and Sam Beattie – will be back at work this week, setting up irrigation, ordering fruit trees, fencing and weeding.

Mrs Moloney said the Hobart City Farm, about a fifth of a hectare on St Johns Avenue, New Town, was different to community gardens because it would demonstrate how to make a living out of farming in the city.

“We are a social enterprise ... all about creating a local food system,” she said.

The farm’s first crop, a few thousand bulbs of garlic, has been planted, and a green manure crop is being grown in preparation for spring planting.

Hobart City Farm will have an online market where customers can order their goods before collecting them from the farm.

Mrs Moloney said there were also plans for a pop-up stall in Hobart from next year.

A volunteer program is being developed and the farm’s founders are encouraging community involvement in the farm.

They also want to provide opportunities for small-hold farm training, and employ Tasmanians.

Mrs Moloney said the interest in the project so far, and the success of Saturday’s “Winter Warmer” party was a positive sign.

Go to hobartcityfarm.com for information about volunteering at the farm.