On a crisp and inspiring day in Bilpin, the Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry & Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) successfully hosted its much-anticipated “City to Farm” event — a vibrant community engagement and workshop held in the heart of the Hawkesbury region, NSW.
Departing from Blacktown, a diverse group of participants embarked on a journey to experience the life of farmers firsthand. The day was filled with exploration, learning, and meaningful conversations about sustainable agriculture, food security, and the future of farming.
Learning from the Land
A highlight of the day was a visit to Hawkesbury Harvest Farm, where participants met Aaron, a passionate farmer who has transformed abandoned orchards into thriving ecosystems. Key takeaways included:
- 95% of orchard produce once went to waste — now revitalized through innovation and dedication.
- Six varieties of apples are now grown on under 20 acres, showcasing the power of small-scale, high-quality farming.
- Young people and migrant communities are increasingly embracing farming as a path to purpose, livelihood, and sustainability.
- Farm tourism, farmers markets, and direct-to-public sales are reshaping how consumers connect with fresh, affordable produce.
The workshop featured rich discussions on:
- Challenges: unaffordable land, urban sprawl, and the dominance of industrial agrifood systems.
- Opportunities: farm diversification, organic practices, sustainable fertilisers (like fish farming, chicken manure, and seaweed), and carbon sequestration.
- Innovations: niche crops like wild asparagus, hot chillies, and marigolds for cultural festivals such as Tihar.
- Community building: the importance of peer support networks and cooperative farming models.
🍛 A Taste of Community
A delicious farm-fresh lunch brought together participants from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and shared learning.
👥 Leadership and Acknowledgements
The program was coordinated by Dr. Basundhara Bhattarai, Life Member of NEPAFE and Gender Equality and Inclusion Lead at IFSD. Discussions were facilitated by Dr. Hemant Ojha, NEPAFE Founding Vice-President and Principal Advisor at IFSD.
Dr. Yakindra Timilsena, NEPAFE President, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, advisors, life members, and supporters. He also acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, honouring their deep connection to sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Jagadish Timsina, NEPAFE Founding President and Chief Advisor, reflected on the association’s mission to foster knowledge exchange between Nepalese and Australian researchers and communities.
The event was also graced by Dr. Sita Ram Ghimire (Founding Secretary and Advisor), Sujan Neupane (Current Secretary), and life members Dr. Sakuntala Devkota Ghimire and Dr. Krishna Hamal.
🙏 Thank You to Our Partners
Special thanks to Nourish Nation Foundation Incorporated, Institute for Study and Development Worldwide (IFSD), and Ausgrid for their generous support. This program was proudly delivered as part of a grant supported by Ausgrid, enabling NEPAFE to bring communities together for learning, connection, and action.
Together, we are cultivating a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food future. 🌍🌱
Dr. Timilsena is a food scientist with more than 20 years of experience in food safety & security, quality control, food processing and product development and nutrition.
