GrAiNZ, a collective of Australian and New Zealand grain growers, has recently teamed up with the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) to create the John Reid Fellowship, for which the applications opened this week.

The Fellowship aims to carry on the legacy of one of GrAiNZ’s founding members John Reid, who lost his battle with cancer in 2021. The Fellowship aims at ‘activating the local grain movement, connecting communities through real food, and empowering young and emerging leaders in the food sovereignty space’.

“After John passed away, GrAiNZ and AFSA formed a collective to honour his memory and keep his legacy alive through the John Reid Fellowship,” said Pippa James, one of the GrAiNZ organisers.

“The John Reid Fellowship aims to continue John’s legacy to galvanise the local grains movement, connect communities through real food, and empower growers, millers, ad bakers to thrive in local economies.”

The Fellowship provides funds for the recipient to begin or continue a project that fits in with its aims. This year, the Inaugural Fellowship has $8,000 to distribute, either to one project or among several that meet the aims.

In addition to the money, the Fellowship recipient/s will receive mentorship and support from GrAiNZ and AFSA.

“Through our networks, the Fellowship will connect the recipient with farmers, millers, bakers, and others working with grain to continue their knowledge building.

“It will require research and action, and will encourage recipients to engage with Indigenous groups on Country where their project is undertaking, to build relationships with First Peoples, and learn more about healing Country,” Pippa said.

More details about the criteria and application process can be found on the AFSA website.