In the heart of Keilor Valley, organic farmer Rémi Durand of Remi’s Patch is embracing a new challenge this year: growing organic produce on a sprawling 20-acre plot of fertile river soil just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. He is focused on regenerative practices (like crop rotation) and with the introduction of mechanisation and a full-time team of six, Rémi is looking forward to increasing his harvest to meet the demand at Victorian farmers’ markets.
Rémi’s previous organic farm in Willowmavin was one tenth of the size of his current farm. There he had focused on bio-intensive farming or achieving maximum yields from a minimum area of land, hand-tending to his 300 vegetable beds. The rigorous labour coupled with a short growing season at a high altitude produced a limited harvest that couldn’t meet customer demands.
Shifting away from conventional bio-intensive methods to regenerative farming, Rémi is prioritising soil health and growing what’s in demand. The move to a lower altitude in Keilor means he will now be able to supply fresh produce year-round.
This will be Rémi’s 8th year selling to farmers’ markets in Australia. He is committed to providing fresh, seasonal vegetables, grown by him, to Melbourne Farmers' Markets shoppers. At our markets his stall stands out for its beauty and diverse offering.
Years on, Remi still loves his craft. Selling at farmers’ markets including Coburg and Carlton has allowed him to create strong relationships with his customers and see the results of his work. He also loves doing his own weekly shop at the farmers’ markets!
Shop Remi’s Patch at Coburg every Saturday and Carlton every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
Follow Remi on Instagram.