Thing Sai Manrhing enjoyed cultivating the lush green slopes of Myanmar before being forced to flee his homeland.
He and his wife Zilhing Takluem arrived in Australia in 2013 and have longed to return to the land.
Mr. Manrhing got a job as a harvester on a blueberry farm in Coffs Harbor on the north coast of NSW, but he has always wanted to have his own farm.
“I like farming … I wanted to start a business, my own business,” he said.
He also found foods like okra and poppy leaves, which are popular in Myanmar, that were impossible to find or too expensive to buy at local stores.
Mr.’s dream. Manrhing to start an agricultural business was shared by many of the members of the Myanmar community in the region, who came to Australia already equipped with farming skills.
Together, five refugee families approached the non-profit group Settlement Services International (SSI) for help.
“They really highlighted three things: they wanted to work together, they wanted to cultivate and practice their cultural and traditional skills, and they really wanted to be self-sufficient and create something for their future generations,” said Rebecca Mordaunt of SSI.
The group registered as a non-profit organization called Myanmar Community Agriculture Co-operative.
Zilhing and Thing Sai grow poppy leaves, lettuce, okra, green beans and tomatoes on their blog. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
Starting the farm
Joshua Allen used to run an organic vegetable farm on his 13-acre property in Nana Glen, 20 minutes northwest of Coffs Harbor, but it had been dormant for a couple of years.
“It was probably 12 months ago that we were out there wondering what would happen to the farm,” Allen said.
“It simply came to our notice then [small business program] Ignite and SSI who said we have a community looking for a farm.
“It was a kind of party in heaven.”
Joshua Allen has helped farmers better understand land farming in Australia. (ABC Coffs Coast: Kate Aubrey)
Allen gave the cooperative two and a half acres, with each of the five families taking a half-acre block and leaving some land for the cattle.
After a five-month grace period to find their feet, they now pay the rent for the land.
Adaptation to a new landscape
Farmers have had unexpected challenges cultivating in Australia.
“The soil is very good in Burma, we have to use fertilizer here,” Manrhing said.
The cooperative grows vegetables that are popular in Myanmar to share with their community. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
Communicating, understanding renting and learning how to run a business in Australia has also been a challenge.
“It’s very difficult for me because I don’t really understand English,” Manrhing said.
“I have no experience here either, so [I’m] learning many different things like what seed, how I can buy things and everything [has been] very difficult for me “.
Van Sui Tiel and her husband Som are another family that make up the cooperative.
They lost most of their summer harvest due to record rainfall and flooding.
“When we started this farm the rain was too much and before, we planted zucchini and they almost died and we planted again and they died, everything died,” Ms Tiel said.
“We also planted beans … but a lot of rain destroyed it [it] However, we could not sell everything. “
Van Sui Tiel said he hopes his winter harvest of peas and lettuce will thrive. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
Mrs. Tiel finds time to go out on the farm when she is not caring for her young children.
“I have three children. Two are in school and the other is in daycare, so after leaving them I come straight. [to the farm]”she said.
The farm is also completely organic, so farmers do not use chemicals to control pests and weeds.
“Yesterday I spent all day weeding … some weeds I’ve never seen before … it’s hard work,” Ms. Tiel said.
They took their children to the farm most weekends. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
Helping her parents
Thang Kin Shetta is the youngest member of the group and joined the cooperative to give more opportunities to his parents.
“The most important thing for them is the language and they don’t speak it very well, but they know where to go … and where to buy so that they know everything, it’s just language,” he said.
Thang Kin Shetta studied English for three years and enjoys socializing in the factory. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
He compensates for the full-time job at a glass factory in Coffs Harbor with the help of the farm.
“[I go to the farm] especially on weekends, “Shetta said.
“It ‘s good to work the first afternoon shift [at the glass factory] because I’m free in the morning and when it’s sunny I have to go up to the farm, water things and get back to work.
“It’s hard work, but I love it.”
Selling your products
The group has begun selling some of its products in local markets, but plans to expand even further.
“I know they’re really looking forward to opening a little shop here on the farm and inviting the community in,” Ms. Mordaunt said.
Rebecca Mordaunt connected the group with local business mentors and agricultural experts. (ABC Rural: Keely Johnson)
She has been helping the group since the beginning of their journey and said they had been incredibly resilient.
“It’s such a massive learning curve to create a business here in Australia,” he said.
“But then there are the challenges of learning about different soils and the different varieties of food that Australians buy and then of course we are facing a La Nina event, so there are also challenges with the weather.
“I take my hat off to them. Their commitment has been amazing and really inspiring.”
Watch this story on ABC TV’s landline at 12:30 on Sunday or on ABC iview.