Fruitful partnership plants seeds for farming’s future

A new partnership at one of the Sunshine Coast’s long-established farms is bringing together regenerative agriculture, fruit growing and education with a vision to help more people reconnect with where their food comes from.

Fruit Tree Cottage, a specialist fruit tree and edible plants nursery founded by Heidi West-Newman in 2020, formed a partnership with Farleigh Farms last year before relocating to the Forest Glen property in January after outgrowing its original home-based nursery.

Established in 1963, Farleigh Farms was originally conventionally farmed, but over the past few years next gen farmer Missy Duckworth has been driving its transition towards regenerative agriculture.

The farm now integrates silvopasture and agroforestry to produce food, support livestock, improve soil health and restore farm ecosystems.

For Heidi, whose own agricultural roots stretch back three generations on the Sunshine Coast, the partnership is a natural fit.

Her grandparents farmed at Montville, her parents farmed at Palmwoods and her father is a farmer and agricultural scientist with more than 50 years of knowledge and experience.

“At the heart of what I do is something really simple - I want to help people grow their own fruit. Food that actually makes it into the fruit bowl.”

Heidi said growing even a small amount of food at home could also help families facing increasing household costs.

“I honestly believe that most of us can grow something. And with the cost of feeding a family these days, even growing a little of your own food can make a difference to the household budget.”

The partnership is now opening the door to a much broader long-term vision for the property and local food education.

Together Heidi and Missy are developing a Pick Your Own orchard and “living classroom”, where visitors will be able to learn about soil health, seasons and pollination, pick fruit straight from the tree and gain practical knowledge about growing food at home.

“I love the idea of creating a place that inspires the next generation to understand and value the food they eat,” said Missy. “Educating the public on farming is so important, not only because everyone should know where and how their food is grown but also the fact that we may be inspiring the next generation of farmers right here on the Sunshine Coast. What an incredible thing!”

For Heidi, it is a chance to combine Fruit Tree Cottage’s focus on quality plants and practical advice with Farleigh Farms’ regenerative approach – and help build a place where farming, education and community can grow together.

Farleigh Farms and Fruit Tree Cottage are on the corner of Parsons Road and Old Maroochydore Road, Forest Glen. Find Farleigh Farms on Facebook or contact Heidi at heidi@fruittreecottage.com.au.

Missy Duckworth & Heidi West-Newman at Farleigh Farms.