Regenerative Agriculture

Messines Farm: Regenerative Agriculture

Messines Farm is a family-owned orchard in the Granite Belt region of Amiens. Known for its high-quality fresh organic produce - including apples, pears, apricots and plums, all available through its online store - the farm is on a journey to adopt regenerative agriculture practices across its operations, fostering a sustainable approach to farming that benefits both the environment and the community. We will be documenting this journey and explaining more in a short film series coming soon, watch this space!
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Natura Pacific | A Vision for the Future

Messines Farm, one of many in the Granite Belt dedicated to sustainable farming, is in the midst of a big transition. Like farms in the Certified Naturally Farmed network, we’re making some bold moves – stepping away from conventional orchard practices to adopt a regenerative model that supports long-term sustainability. It’s a shift focused on tackling real challenges, such as improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions.

Traditionally, orchards in our region have relied heavily on intensive practices, but Messines Farm is experimenting with methods that enhance natural resilience. For instance, we’re working on integrating cover cropping to restore soil structure, composting systems that support microbial life, and setting up pollinator-friendly zones to boost biodiversity. We’re even rethinking pest management, using natural methods to help maintain balance without relying on synthetic inputs. This approach is about using nature to support nature, making the land work for itself and keeping it healthier for the long run.

Our goal at Messines Farm is to show that regenerative practices aren’t just viable – they’re the way forward. With research-backed techniques and a focus on measurable outcomes, Messines Farm is part of a growing movement in the Granite Belt to demonstrate that farms can be both productive and regenerative. This shift is essential for a stronger, more resilient farming community in our region, one that values the health of the ecosystem as much as the quality of its produce.

We’re excited to share this journey with our communnity and those interested in sustainable agriculture. In 2025, we’ll be launching a four-part documentary series, Messy: Regenerative Agriculture, which will dive into every step of our transition and the science behind it. Head to our website to sign up for updates on the release and premiere events happening in your region – we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride as we redefine what it means to farm naturally and create lasting change in the Granite Belt! Join the Farm-ily today at www.messinesfarm.com.au.

Sustainable practices for the good of our environment, wildlife and farmers.

Australian Story | Charles Massy

On a still autumn morning in 2016, Charles Massy walked up a hill above his farm to sit beside a favourite old snow gum. High up on the Monaro plateau that runs off the flank of Mount Kosciuszko he could see his homestead and the native brown grasses on his farm dusted with frost. There were swamp wallabies, frogs, previously unrecorded woodland birds. "As a kid there we had no swamp wallabies or wallaroos," he said. It was a sign that the land was slowly returning to health after he had stopped using chemicals in 2000. Recently he had visited a friend who had regenerated his creek. "And the day I was there we heard a reed warbler calling in his small patch of reeds. It had just started to grow and it was probably the first time in 150 years that a reed warbler had come back to that denuded valley."

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