Farm Story Manna Hill Estate is a small, family run, organic / biodynamic, dry range olive grove and sheep enterprise at Mt Egerton (near Ballarat) in the beautiful countryside of the Central Highlands iof Victoria, Australia. Manna Hill Estate was established in 2002 and consists of gently undulating land with the north facing slopes planted out to about 2,500 olive trees. In addition there a sections of bio-rich timber (for carbon sequestration, shelter, enhanced environmental outcomes, and timber products), along with a significant portion of remnant native grasslands and natural bush associated with a waterway and valley to protect the natural environment The owners, Campbell & Julie both originally came from rural communities, moved to the city and subsequently became concerned about where their food came from and what was being added to it. They developed a commitment to organic, sustainable, local food production. With the arrival of children they hankered after a rural lifestyle where they could be more connected to their food and the environment. Also they were concerned with the corporatization of agriculture and the loss of the small family-run mixed farm. Campbell grew up on a small mixed farm which at various times (and often together) ran sheep, beef cattle, a dairy, pigs, and ancillary livestock including chooks and ducks along with the home vegetable patch and orchard. Such farms have largely disappeared from the Australian landscape with the resultant loss of livestock genetic diversity, linkages between food associated with a particular farm and season and the consumer of that food, and the rise of corporate agriculture more interested in short term share market returns than long term environmental and agricultural sustainability. Increased use of inputs (synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides) and genetically modified organisms has followed this trend. Campbell & Julie decided that there had to be a better, more sustainable, community focused and enlightened approach to putting healthy, life affirming, food on people’s plates. As a result we are passionate and committed to producing healthy organic food and skincare products using farming methods that care for our environment and ensure that consumers can purchase the best quality products locally. We are focused on improving soil health using biological methods (using compost, biochar, creating biofertilisers, extensive mulching and cover cropping) while using recyclable materials to reduce landfill wherever possible, minimise our carbon footprint via use of solar hot water and grid interactive solar panels in conjunction with the use of 100% ‘green power’ and ensure that we uphold our ongoing commitment to caring for the environment we live in. Our organic extra-virgin olive oil, table olives, soaps and skin care balms are made from 100% Australian grown and produced organic / biodynamic olives farmed at Manna Hill Estate.
Type of Member Farmer
BioRegion Central Highlands Victoria
Farm Type Mixed
Other Enterprises Olive oil, Table olives, Timber, Sheep
Nearest Town Mt Egerton, Victoria
Size of Business (in Ha) 37
Organic Certification 3595
Biodynamic Certification 3595
Different Certifications Regenerative (AGW)
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mannahillestate.com.au/