Adopt a Farmer

Franco Cencig & Michael Pettitt are organic vegetable farmers who are part of Food
Connect's network of local farmers. Together they are teaching the children to grow food
organically, from building up the soil, seed raising, establishing vegetable gardens through
to harvest.


Franco grew up on the farm and has over 50 years experience in growing vegetables in
these local conditions. Michael has studied Permaculture and loves plants. With support
from Seven Hills State School, they are studying Biodynamic Agriculture and converting
the farm and school to produce organic, biodynamic produce.


Seven Hills State School is a State Primary School in the Brisbane metropolitan area. It
is regarded as a 'school of choice' rather than a 'school of convenience' and many families
have sought to enrol their children here because of its small numbers, supportive and
caring environment and focus on the individual.


The school is situated in 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and bushland. Our
position high on the hill provides views of the city while still giving a feeling of being in the
country. Our outdoor space is used to provide quality real life learning in the areas of
conservation and we are a Land for Wildlife school.


Food Connect is a Community Shared Agriculture enterprise (based in Brisbane) that
distributes ecologically sustainable, affordable produce by collaborating with local farmers
for a fair dinkum financial return. Unlike most national food distributors, major
supermarket chains and produce box schemes, Food Connect sources its sustainable
produce from local and regional family farms. They provide their farmers a fair price for
their produce, which encourages them to continue growing. This, in turn, helps our region
to be more food secure. The local food distribution system ensures a significant reduction
in the carbon emissions that are associated with transporting food long distances. All
Food Connect food is sourced from farms located within a 5 hour drive of Brisbane.