Farming ChampionsFarming Champions Chair, Nicola Kelliher, has recently been named one of the three WA finalists for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the driving force behind Farmer On Your Plate, an event hosted by the volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation Farming Champions, Nicola is dedicated to creating meaningful connections between farming families and consumers while fostering awareness of the importance of local produce.
Nicola’s personal journey from a non-farming background to Chair of Farming Champions in 2019 showcases her dedication to connecting consumers with their farmers. Recognising the need for farmers to demonstrate their knowledge beyond the farm gate, Nicola founded the Clover Fed brand in 2013. Her unique perspective as both a consumer and producer sets her apart, and she actively utilises this difference to drive positive change.
Farmer On Your Plate goes beyond the typical farmers market, offering a day of interactive and meaningful connections between farmers and consumers. Nicola emphasises the importance of reviving the nostalgic connection to rural life, especially for those who may no longer have a direct link to the land or a “country cousin” to spend summers on the farm. Through hay bales, horsey rides, a petting zoo, and various interactive activities, the event aims to rekindle this connection for families and individuals alike.
At the heart of Farmer On Your Plate is the concept of “Food Provenance.” Nicola stresses that it’s not just about where your food comes from; it’s about the people and families behind its creation. The event gathers farming families from various regions in Western Australia, educating attendees about seasonality, the impact of imports on biosecurity, and the diverse array of food products from different regions.
Through connection and awareness, Farmer on Your Plate fosters meaningful links between farming families and consumers while raising awareness about the importance of supporting local produce. The event focuses on three main outcomes: Trust, Knowledge, and Skills. By establishing a direct connection between farmers and consumers, Farmer On Your Plate builds trust, contributing to food security. Through educational presentations and workshops, attendees gain knowledge about nutritional value, processing, and transport issues. The event also equips them with skills to maximise the value of their food purchases, both economically and for peace of mind.
Nicola emphasises the pivotal role of education in achieving the organisation’s mission. Collaborating with leaders in the agricultural, food, and education industries, Farmer On Your Plate provides an interactive and informative program. Renowned chefs demonstrate the preparation of farmers’ produce, creating a genuine paddock-to-plate experience.
With the support of the City of Fremantle, Farmer On Your Plate has grown, accommodating more stallholders and displaying farm machinery, enriching the experience for attendees. Looking ahead, Nicola envisions Farmer On Your Plate as a scalable project with the potential for national growth. To do this Farming Champions seeks to secure sponsorships to sustainably deliver the events message to a wider audience. As a finalist for the Rural Women’s Award, she aims to undertake a business development plan to explore the expansion of the event. The award would provide national recognition, helping further amplify the message of supporting local farming families.
Nicola’s call to action encourages individuals to explore the possibilities within their reach. Her ability to ignite excitement around ideas and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels has been instrumental in the success of Farmer On Your Plate. By fostering strong rural economies, Nicola believes we can build resilient rural communities.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award holds great significance for Nicola, offering a platform to share a crucial message about the importance of Australian farming families and supporting rural women. Nicola’s journey with Farmer On Your Plate exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives to create lasting change, not only in the lives of farmers but also in the wider community.
As Nicola expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Rural Women’s Award, her commitment to empowering rural communities remains unwavering. We eagerly await the outcome of the award, recognising that Nicola’s dedication has already left an indelible mark on the landscape of Australian agriculture.
Learn more about Farmer On Your Plate 2024 here.
Update:
Congratulations to Nicola, our Farming Champions Chairperson and owner of Wandering Clover Fed Beef, who was a FINALIST for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award! Congratulations to finalist Jay Page of Messines Bee Farm and now Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award 2024 winner Mandy Walker of Walkers Diesel Services.
