Regenerative Grain Storage

Grant Amount: $15,000

Region: Western Australia

Delivered by: Natural Intelligence Farming

Year funded: 2024

Project status: In progress

The Challenge

In Australia, grain is a cornerstone of the agricultural industry, underpinning a vast array of products from bread to beer. Despite the country's reliance on grains, the majority of these crops are cultivated using industrial farming methods that have a substantial environmental impact. Industrial grain farming typically involves monoculture practices, heavy use of chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, which degrade soil health, reduce biodiversity, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This intensive approach not only strains the environment but also poses long-term sustainability challenges for the industry.

The Innovation

Ian and Di Haggerty, founders and directors of Prospect Pastoral Co and co-founders of Natural Intelligence Farming (NIF), are global leaders in regenerative practices and agroecological farming. For the past 24 years, they have been using NIF methods to farm in the low-rainfall zones of the Western Australian Wheatbelt, producing some of the highest quality, nutrient-dense, and diverse grains in the world.

However, due to a lack of proper storage infrastructure, much of their NIF grain is sold into conventional markets. With additional funding, NIF aims to build storage facilities that meet safety and food requirements, allowing the Haggertys to store their NIF barley and wheat. They are also looking to build relationships with brewing companies that share their values and are interested in sourcing high-quality, regenerative grains. This project has been funded as part of the Good Grain initiative.

Why did Sustainable Table fund this project?

We funded this project because it supports Natural Intelligence Farming (NIF), led by Ian and Di Haggerty, who are global leaders in regenerative practices and agro-ecological farming.

By providing support for grain storage infrastructure, we enable the Haggertys to expand their market access and continue their work in regenerating the food supply chain. This includes expanding regenerative R&D practices and collaborating with other producers.

Additionally, the project has strong connections to the brewing industry. This initiative will help increase the production of Australian beers brewed with grain that supports our environment, further promoting regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.

Please consider donating today to help us support more projects like this and regenerate Australian food and farming.