Piccolo Farm: A Case Study
- Lizzie Buscaino
- Jul 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Overview
I founded and operated Piccolo Farm with my husband joining me as the farm grew over the years 2015 to 2021. Our award-winning half-an-acre organic permaculture farm was deeply embedded in a vibrant community and became a market leader in sustainable agriculture. We offered a variety of services and products that fostered a strong connection between the farm and the local community.
Community Engagement and CSA Program
Central to our success was the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription vegetable box program. Households received the best of the harvest each week, allowing members to participate actively in the food-growing journey. This initiative not only provided fresh, organic produce but also educated the community about sustainable farming practices and the importance of local food systems.
Educational Initiatives
We were dedicated to educating the community through workshops and council courses. These sessions covered a range of topics, from permaculture principles to practical gardening techniques, empowering individuals to grow their own food and adopt sustainable practices. Additionally, we organized tours for elderly excursions and school groups, offering hands-on learning experiences. Friends of the farm also contributed by providing natural beekeeping and floristry classes, enriching our educational offerings with their expertise.
We also hosted an intern at the farm, providing a comprehensive view of all aspects of our operation for review and education. Additionally, we invited other local budding farmers and partnered with Farm It Forward for a cross-education tour, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Market Presence
We established a strong market presence by supplying produce to fine dining restaurants in the Southern Highlands and top chefs in Sydney. This market expansion was boosted by winning the prestigious Delicious Produce Award on three occasions.
In addition to these high-end clients, we maintained a robust presence in the local market. Our edible flowers were sold to a local shop and online through next day delivery.
Media and Events
Our innovative approach and community impact garnered significant media attention. We were featured in local and national events, podcast interviews, magazines, radio shows, and newspapers. These appearances helped to spread our message and philosophy, attracting a broader audience and inspiring other farmers and community members.
Resilience Through Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for us, especially with the loss of restaurant sales. However, we quickly pivoted, doubling our CSA shares in one week to meet the rising demand for local produce. We built an app to facilitate the delivery of local farmers' produce during lockdowns and increasing our own sales whilst providing an extra level of service to existing customers.
Despite facing multiple severe weather events, including the loss of a 30m poly tunnel, evacuations during nearby fires, and enduring a severe flood, Piccolo Farm continued to thrive. Using ingenuity, creativity, and resilience, we adapted to these challenges while maintaining a close connection with our customers.
New Initiatives and Market Adaptation
In response to the increased demand for food security and home gardening, we began selling seedlings once a month after the lockdowns. This initiative proved highly successful, with the farm selling around 2000-3000 seedlings each weekend through our website for pickup and directly at the farm gate.
Conclusion
Piccolo Farm’s journey from 2015 to 2021 highlights the power of sustainable farming practices, community involvement, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through our CSA program, educational workshops, market presence, and innovative adaptations during challenging times, we not only provided high-quality organic produce but also fostered a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship. Lizzie Buscaino - Intuitive and Strategic Business Coach
References:
Better Homes and Gardens: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2839327423060530
Country Style/Homes to Love: https://www.homestolove.com.au/outdoor-gardening/piccolo-farm-south-coast-nsw-21053/
Podcast, The Big Shift https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-big-shift/episodes/How-to-become-a-startup-farmer-eda9lv
Wollondilly Council Course on free range chickens and quail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fvnvCcNDKE
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