Farming Through Change: A Cultivation of Resilience.

A day of talks from farmers, researchers and specialists, panel discussions, small group workshops and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, exploring how Tasmanian farmers and our food system communities are responding to global and local challenges.

Farmers are no strangers to the multifaceted nature of change, whether it be unpredictable markets or a welcomed change in season. The state of the world is landing squarely on Tasmanian farms in the form of land prices, input costs, multinational competition, regulation, volatile weather and extreme events. Cross Pollinate 2026 shines a spotlight on how our community is responding, and how small-scale and agroecological farming leverages creativity, adaptability and agency to thrive amidst change.

Together we will explore three sub-themes of Farming Through Change:

Accepting Change - recognising there are environmental, political and economic challenges that are outside of our control and finding creative ways to adapt and modify to leverage opportunities and reduce vulnerability.

Challenging Change - some change needs challenging and some progressive farming practices can challenge. Farmers and community allies have capacity to influence localised responses and food system culture.

Creating Change - putting new ideas into practice and actively building the kinds of farming and food systems we want to be a part of and leave for future generations.

Organised by farmers for farmers, we are back to having our boots on the soil with this years event being held at the incredible Landscape Healing Hub - Ripple Farm in Richmond, lutruwita/Tasmania (parking at Coolgardie Farm).

Whether you’re new to growing, a seasoned farmer or simply have a keen interest in creating sustainable food systems, pop this one in the diary to come along for this enriching Spring gathering.

Stay tuned for the final event program and speaker announcements. More information will be coming soon to our website https://www.sprout.org.au/events/cross_pollinate

Accessibility Note: Please be aware that the conference venue has limited accessibility and is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must climb a set of steel stairs to enter the building.

Contact the host of Cross Pollinate 2026