Adopt a Farmer

The Organic School Gardens ‘Adopt a Farmer’ Program was launched at Ladybird Organics Farm in Keilor on 23rd February.

The ‘Adopt a Farmer’ program aims to help bridge the ‘urban-rural divide’ by providing school children with firsthand experience of primary industries.

Coburg Primary School students with their ‘adopted farmer’
Steve Skopilianos, of Ladybird Organics

VGA member, Steve Skopilianos of Ladybird Organics, the programs first ‘adopted farmer’, said he is looking forward to teaching the children about organic fruit and vegetables so they can feel confident that what they are eating is truly good for them.

As an adopted farmer, Steve will visit the school as well as host school tours and education days on his farm.

“I look forward to teaching children about growing good healthy food and see this as a great opportunity to promote not only organics but the whole vegetable industry.”
                                Steve Skopilianos, Ladybird Organics

Steve’s love of farming and eagerness to pass on information to the children was clearly shown, with the children being encouraged to ask and answer questions.

Ladybird Organics – Steve, Janet, Anna and Peter Skopilianos

Steve explained how different crops grew with great interest shown by the students.

The students then each potted their own lettuce plant to take home before descending on the field to pick their own strawberries.

The day was finished off with a lively ‘Zorba’ led by Vasili Kanidiadis from Vasili’s Garden.

For more information contact your Industry Development Officers :