Farmers Scholarship

On Saturday, 13 March 2021 Marni & Dirk Pritchard of Braeburn Farm were awarded the 7th Willunga Farmers Market Farmers Scholarship.

Developed in 2014 in response to the declining number of farmers in the industry nationwide, the Willunga Farmers Market Scholarship is our contribution to ensuring the future of farming on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The $15,000 scholarship, with partnership support from the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is awarded to encourage farming on the Fleurieu Peninsula by an emerging business.

Braeburn Farm is located at Yundi, 14km south of Willunga. The property has 180 acres of land and has a large access to water. The vision for Braeburn Farm is to become as self-sufficient as possible by making the most of the farms assets to provide a long term income and provide authentic and unmodified products to local customers.

Braeburn Farm will add a unique product offering to the Willunga Farmers Markets that is not currently available. They will offer firstly game bird meat, specifically Guinea Fowl, Quail and Duck. Secondly Scrub Honey (creamed honey in winter) and thirdly wildflower bunches.

“We are excited about being part of a thriving community and look forward to being at the market in November 2021” said Braeburn Farm’s Marni Pritchard.

Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board chair David Greenhough congratulated Marni and Dirk for their outstanding work in building a sustainable and successful local business based on primary produce.

“The Willunga Farmers Market scholarship opens up farming to anyone with a great idea and the energy to make it happen, which Marni & Dirk have shown through their application and determination to date,” he said.

Scholarship recipients add tremendous value to the Market community through the new products they bring to Market, the enthusiasm for what they do, the interest they create and fabulous food they make available to our customers. As well as the focus they bring to farming on the Fleurieu, new farmers are a reminder that Willunga Farmers Market has a longstanding and important role as a business incubator in the region.