He'll share fresh insights that could transform how local farmers view their farming operations in the context of the wider region’s assets to influence their future income potential.
Mr Pekin is founder of the successful Food Connect Shed and Food Connect Foundation, which has pioneered regional food distribution models across Australia.
He will present findings from groundbreaking new research examining how farmers’ (including their natural capital) are central to solving multiple crises including climate change mitigation.
“We're releasing a comprehensive report this month that demonstrates how farmers and their natural capital opportunities represent a major part of the solution to environmental and economic challenges,” Mr Pekin said.
“What we've discovered is that the market failures of the past four decades have created the conditions for innovative farmers willing to think differently about how their regional capital can be reshaped to value our land stewardship.”
The Food Connect Shed model has proven that collective approaches to food systems can deliver systemic outcomes for both farmers and consumers.
Its regional food hubs have demonstrated how ‘transitional infrastructure’ can bridge the gap between emerging agricultural innovators and established industry, creating new revenue streams while addressing environmental and social concerns.
Mr Pekin's presentation will focus on regional economy networks – one of five distinct opportunity pools that farmers can open up for diversified income streams, using associative economic principles and whole of Food Shed design.
His lived experience in developing aggregated procurement contracts shows how farmers with high-value natural assets can command better prices while building stronger community connections.
“The systemic externalities in our food systems – the environmental and social costs that traditional markets fail to address – actually represent untapped value for forward-thinking farmers,” Mr Pekin said.
“Corporate concentration in food retail has extracted wealth from regional communities for too long. We're showing farmers how to reclaim that value.”
The free event, running from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Barham Golf Club, will also feature presentations from Andrew Ward (Regen Farmers Mutual), Christie Clarke (Pollination Group), Sascha Healey (Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group), and Emily Wilson (Murray Local Land Services).
Jacqueline McArthur from Western Murray Land Improvement Group said this comprehensive program will explore all five opportunity pools: Environmental markets and government grants, premium supply chain opportunities, local economy networks, philanthropy and impact investment, and hybrid and emerging opportunities.
“You've walked your paddocks a thousand times – but have you really seen their full value?” Ms McArthur said.
“This event will open your eyes to possibilities you never knew existed.”
While free to attend, registrations are required for catering purposes. Go to http://events.humanitix.com/natural-capital-event.
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