In September 2011 a workshop was held that brought together around 70 people from across the community to explore the development of a city farm for Canberra. This workshop built upon previous conversations about developing a city farm that others had started, and used CERES in Melbourne as a model for what could be created for Canberra.
A range of activities followed this workshop, with different working groups undertaking further research, a wiki website and monthly newsletter established to capture and share information relevant to the city farm, extensive investigations of site options were undertaken and a shared vision, purpose and set of core values were agreed.
In April 2012 the Canberra City Farm became incorporated. A business plan and budget was then created to support our ongoing engagement with the ACT government and various farmers, along with proposals for obtaining a site to establish a demonstration and education centre. A proposal was created for a site in Downer, Turner and Fyshwick.
In February 2013 Canberra City Farm collaborated with a range of groups to create Urban Agriculture Australia and a display at Floriade in September 2013 and 2014. These displays created a very focused deliverable for the organisation and developed strong linkages, including endorsements, from many groups and businesses across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
In October 2014 Canberra City Farm acquired a site in Turner for two years to establish the Canberra City Farm Turner Garden. Lots of lessons were learnt through this process and in October 2016, the garden was closed.
In December 2015 Canberra City Farm acquired a site in Fyshwick for 10 years to establish the Canberra City Farm Dairy Road Education Centre.