A quiet agricultural revolution is unfolding in the Northern Rivers, where farmers, innovators, and community leaders are embracing regenerative practices to transform the way food is grown, and ecosystems are restored. It’s a movement focused on sustainability and restoration, and it’s reshaping the future of farming.
WRITTEN BY DONNA RISHTON-POTTER
Regenerative farming is more than a method; it’s a philosophy rooted in healing the land, fostering biodiversity, and reconnecting people with nature. In a region celebrated for its natural abundance, this movement offers a promising blueprint for the future of agriculture.
At its core, regenerative farming is about working with nature, not against it. Techniques like rotational grazing, no-till farming, and mixed-species planting build soil health, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. Unlike conventional methods that deplete resources, this approach seeks to restore and enhance the land. In the Northern Rivers, a biodiverse hotspot with fertile soils and temperate climate, regenerative farming has profound significance.
Local pioneers such as Pam and Martin Brook of Brookfarm, along with regenerative farming advocate Andrew Cameron, are at the forefront of this movement. Their efforts exemplifying how commercial farming and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Today, the Brook name has become synonymous with regenerative farming in the Northern Rivers. In 1989, after relocating with their young sons Will and Eddie, from Melbourne to the Byron Bay hinterland, Pam and Martin were simply driven by a dream to reconnect with the land. They purchased a neglected dairy farm with plans to transform it into a thriving macadamia orchard. What they found was a landscape in disrepair.
“The property was severely eroded and overrun with weeds. It was a complete sad mess,” Martin recalls. Yet amidst the lantana, they discovered remnants of ancient subtropical rainforest—a glimpse of what the land once was.
Over the next three decades, the Brooks planted more than 35,000 rainforest trees, creating wildlife corridors and restoring native habitats. Their vision extended beyond the orchard itself - to the soil, water, and biodiversity that sustain it. Through composting, cover cropping, and eliminating synthetic chemicals, they cultivated an ecosystem where macadamias thrive alongside native species.
“It’s not just about farming,” says Will Brook, who now leads the family business. “It’s about being custodians of the land and making decisions that ensure it’s better for future generations. That’s always been central to our philosophy.” Today, Will’s children walk the same orchards he and his brother Eddie explored as kids, a living testament to the Brooks’ multigenerational commitment to sustainability.
Today, Brookfarm is more than a premium muesli producer with a global reach—it’s also home to Cape Byron Distillery. The distillery crafts spirits infused with native botanicals, including Davidson’s Plum and aniseed myrtle, sourced directly from their regenerated rainforest.
The Brooks are also staunch supporters of the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, with Martin serving as vice president. “It’s about showing what’s possible,” Martin says. “You can farm sustainably while restoring the environment.”
Regenerative farmer Andrew Cameron has also played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable farming practices across the region. As both a seasoned farmer and farm consultant, he has helped countless others transition their properties into thriving, regenerative ecosystems. His own work at Fig Rock Farm in Upper Burringbar stands as a prime example of his work. By managing invasive species, planting native bush foods, and improving flood resilience, Andrew has transformed the property into a harmonious landscape where avocado orchards, native rainforest, and lush pastures coexist.
Beyond his hands-on farming and consultancy work, Andrew also serves as the Agricultural Extension Officer for Byron Shire Council. His mentorship and educational initiatives have inspired many, including actress-turned-environmental advocate Rachel Ward, whose film Rachel’s Farm documents her journey into regenerative agriculture. Through his guidance, Andrew has helped shape a growing movement, demonstrating that one person’s vision can spark meaningful change across an entire region.
“Regeneration is about legacy,” says Cameron. “It’s about leaving the land better than we found it and empowering future generations to thrive.”
In Clothiers Creek, landowner Michelle Kuramochi and regenerative farmer Rachael Sanderson are among those influenced by Cameron’s work. Together, they run a micro regenerative farm called Raven Place Farm, creating a holistic sanctuary that integrates farming, education, and sustainability.
Michelle lives on the land with her husband Shinji and operates the Raven Place Cafe. Japanese-inspired street food is just the first surprise of this unassuming location. Their commitment to sustainability extending to every facet of the operation; ingredients are sourced directly from the farm (a few meters from the kitchen), food waste is composted, tallow waste is repurposed into soap, and coffee grounds are added to create a ‘tradie soap’—a clever and practical solution with a sustainable twist.
Meanwhile, Rachael transforms the land through her business, Life a Little Greener. She also runs workshops on chemical-free gardening and bush regeneration, inspiring the community to adopt small but impactful practices. “The Northern Rivers lends itself naturally to this way of life,” Rachael explains. “People are becoming more aware of the impacts of chemical use on our bodies and looking for healthier alternatives.”
The duo partner with local businesses to foster circular economies and employ innovative solutions like mycelium-based weed management. Pioneered by the nonprofit We Forest Earth, this technique replaces chemicals with edible mushrooms, offering a sustainable and groundbreaking approach to land care.
This blend of innovation, cooperation and education may be propelling the regenerative movement forward, but its principles aren’t limited to large-scale farms or global environmental challenges. Every individual, from backyard gardeners to city dwellers, can contribute by composting food waste, planting diverse species, avoiding harmful chemicals, and supporting local farmers. Small, mindful actions like these add up to create a healthier planet—one garden at a time.
At its core, regeneration is simply a philosophy that places life, connection, and care at the heart of every decision. Central to this approach is the integration of First Nations knowledge, which emphasises harmony between people and the land. By honouring these time-honoured systems, the regenerative movement deepens our connection to the environment and cultivates a greater respect for its balance and vitality.
From the Brooks’ pioneering efforts to Cameron’s visionary leadership and the innovations at Raven Place Farm, regenerative farming is transforming the Northern Rivers. It’s a movement grounded in respect for the land and a commitment to future generations.
“How do we act as custodians rather than just taking from the land?” Will Brook reflects. “That’s the question we keep coming back to.”
In the Northern Rivers, the answer is already taking root, proving that regeneration is not just a method—it’s a way of life.
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