Accredited members
IEA accreditated members represent recognised regenerative agriculture knowledge holders within the IEA member community of practice. Accreditation is either achieved via the application process through a peer review assessment or honorary accreditation awarded by the IEA Board of Directors for those with long-standing publicly recognised body of expertise within the agriculture industry.
Honorary Accredited Members
The IEA recognise that there are many in the community who have demonstrated leadership and experience in regenerating Australian landscapes. At our AGM in November 2024, we announced the first of our Honorary IEA Accredited members. Honorary Accredited Members are advocates of the IEA and are willing to share their wisdom and experiences and participate in the member ‘Community of Practice’ including peer review of accreditation applications.
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Honorary Accredited Member [Victoria]
Dr Mary Cole has lived a life dedicated to caring for the land with respect and reverence. Her commitment to farming free of synthetic chemicals dates back 56 years, and her vast knowledge in biological soil health, agriculture, and environmental science is demonstrated through her influential work as an educator, consultant, and researcher.
In 1980, Mary founded Agpath Pty Ltd, an agricultural consulting company promoting ecologically responsible farming practices. Her work prioritises real-world solutions over academic theory, focusing on tangible outcomes that benefit both the environment and agricultural productivity.
Mary’s involvement in Landcare, and her leadership in establishing environmental groups in western Gippsland, are testament to her enduring commitment to community-based ecological restoration. Her contributions were recognised in 2024 with the awarding of Senior Citizen of Year for Cardinia Shire, Victoria, for her work for the community, environment and farmer well-being.
Mary’s dedication to ecological agriculture, her innovative research and practices, and her tireless efforts to educate and empower others, exemplify the principles of ecological stewardship, environmental justice, and regeneration, and her contributions will continue to inspire and shape the future of agriculture for generations to come. We congratulate and welcome Mary as an Honorary Accredited Member of the Institute of Ecological Agriculture.
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Honorary Accredited Member [NSW]
Tim grew up at ‘Lana’, a 3350-ha sheep and cattle grazing property, and a registered Wildlife Refuge since 1968, about 20 km west of Uralla, near Armidale, NSW. Described as being “decades ahead of his time”, Tim was an early adopter of holistic management and a pioneer of ecological agriculture in Australia.
Guided by a philosophy to tread lightly on the earth, and protect the natural environment and welfare of his animals, Tim developed a set of guiding principles (see the Soils for Life Case Study on 'Lana') to suit the Australian conditions and landscapes, that can also be adapted elsewhere in the world. These guiding principles, and the subsequent practices, regenerate soil and landscape health, condition, and function.
Tim’s aim is for ‘Lana’ to be an ecologically balanced environment, supporting chemical-free wool and meat production while reducing reliance on fertilisers, land clearing, and energy consumption. In 2022, ‘Lana’ was accredited by Responsible Wool Standards, recognising that their wool is produced with the highest regard for animal welfare and ethics and environmentally sound landscape practices.
Tim became an inaugural member of Landcare (Australia) in 1982 and believes that management practices are the critical link to meeting growing consumer demand for ethically and environmentally conscious products. ‘Lana’ is testament to the fact that real progress can be made from reducing the use of fertilisers, avoiding land clearing, managing herds efficiently, leaving more pasture in paddocks, planting trees, and fencing off gullies.
Tim’s commitment to ecological balance and chemical-free farming has made ‘Lana’ a model for regenerative agriculture. He believes education is key to the future of farming and was a curriculum advisor for regenerative agriculture programs at Southern Cross University. We congratulate and welcome Tim as an Honorary Accredited Member of the Institute of Ecological Agriculture.
Acknowledgements: James Eyers, Senior Reporter Australian Financial Review (December 22, 2022) and Simon Scott (photos). -
Honorary Accredited Member [NSW]
Bio to come
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Bio to come
