Why Sustainable Table Has a RAP (And Why It Matters for Food and Farming)

At Sustainable Table, we're focused on supporting thriving food and farming communities, healing agricultural ecosystems, and building regenerative economies that last. But we also know that real change in these areas can’t happen without recognising the history and truth of agriculture in this country.

Farming in Australia didn’t start on a blank canvas. It took place on land that was managed, cared for and farmed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for tens of thousands of years. When colonisation arrived, it disrupted these systems—often violently. Today, First Nations people are still underrepresented in agriculture, making up just 2.1% of the workforce. Fewer than five First Nations students graduate in agriculture each year. That’s not good enough.

We believe that regeneration doesn’t just apply to soil, landscapes or supply chains—it must include people, relationships and the stories we carry. That’s why we’ve developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)—a formal commitment to better understanding, respecting, and supporting First Nations leadership in the food and farming sectors.

We’ve already taken some big steps:

• We’ve funded over $450,000 to seven First Nations-led organisations to deliver nine incredible projects across the country.
• We’ve embedded consultation with First Nations people into how we work.
• We’ve introduced anti-racist policies and new guidelines across our team.
• And we’ve published a major report—Regenerating Investment in Food and Farming—calling on philanthropists and investors to build respectful, long-term relationships with First Nations communities.

But we’re not pretending we’ve got it all figured out. There are real challenges. The industry moves fast—while respectful consultation takes time. First Nations people are underrepresented in both agriculture and philanthropy. And some of the systems we're all working in just weren't built with First Nations communities in mind.

That’s exactly why our RAP matters. It helps us stay focused on what’s important:

• Building genuine relationships with First Nations people and communities.
• Listening and learning about culture, history and Traditional Knowledge.
• Creating opportunities for First Nations leadership in food and farming.
• And making sure we’re transparent and accountable as we do this work.

Our whole team—from operations to our Board—is behind this work. We know it’s not always easy, but it is necessary.

Want to read the RAP? You can find it here.

And if you’re a First Nations farmer or food grower, we’d love to connect. Get in touch and let’s talk about how we can support your work.