IEA Accredited (Honorary) | Nov 2024

A permaculturist from the 1980’s, Rowe is based in the Blue Mountains of NSW and is internationally known for her analysis and design of productive environments. 

Trained in agricultural science, rural sociology, development, and horticulture, Rowe realised the need for an alternative to conventional agricultural practices after spending time in Africa. Since then, she has worked globally in countries where refugees are diminished by war and, increasingly, global climate change - including East Timor, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Solomon Islands, Uganda, and Vietnam.

IEA Accredited (Honorary) | Nov 2024

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. 

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. 

IEA Accredited (Honorary) | Nov 2024

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.

IEA Accredited (Honorary) | Nov 2024

Martin is the 3rd generation to farm at ‘Jillamatong’, near Braidwood on the Southern Tablelands of NSW, where he has been implementing regenerative practices and philosophies for almost fifty years. By adopting a holistic approach, and focusing on water, biodiversity, and fertility, Martin has doubled his productivity, decreased his costs, and increased resistance and resilience on the property. 

The farm features native forests and managed timber sources, supplies native grass seed to local councils for regeneration projects, and produces prime lamb, beef, truffles, yabbies, organic fertilizers, and bio-stimulants. Martin reports that they have not experienced drought or floods at Jillamatong since installing leaky weirs and a chain of ponds, both reinstating ecological function in the landscape.

Perhaps the most impactful change Martin has made over the decades has been his mindset. He is a firm believer in biodiversity in everything, including thinking, and continues to challenge traditional perspectives. Martin seeks out the change-makers, learns from them, and shares his knowledge via his farm tours and educational centre, Tombarra. He has been a Director on The Mulloon Institute Board, a member of the NSW Landcare Council, and looks forward to initiating more regenerative research and development projects in the agricultural sector.

IEA Accredited | May 2025

Katharine is an accredited soil scientist and regenerative land rehabilitation advisor with a broad range of experience in government, industry, consultancy, and education. Her early studies in pedology, and first professional role with the Australian Collaborative Land Evaluation Program (ACLEP), proved to be the ideal foundation for her research into the impact of mining on agricultural soils, and her subsequent roles in the mining and engineering and infrastructure sectors.

After several years in consulting, Katharine sought more community-oriented roles delivering education and training in soil conservation and land management, and extension in natural resource management. While in these roles, she became aware of the rapidly growing interest in soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Recognising the potential for building soil literacy beyond the traditional roles of her learned profession, Katharine established GroundEd, an independent consultancy dedicated to the reciprocal exchange of knowledge and perspectives, and a more holistic approach to regenerating soils and landscapes. 

Katharine believes that understanding soils is fundamental to restoring functioning landscapes - and that healthy, resilient soils and profitable food and fibre production need not be mutually exclusive. In addressing these ecological challenges, she champions deeper curiosity, deeper connection, and deeper discourse - and always encourages getting your hands dirty!

Katharine holds a BAppSc in Resource and Environmental Management, an MSc in Soil Science, and a PhD in Land Rehabilitation. She joined the IEA in 2021 and completed a Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Agriculture in 2022. In 2023, Katharine joined the IEA Board as the Accreditation Director and has been instrumental in managing the IEA Accreditation Pilot Program.

IEA Accredited | May 2025

Declan is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) with over 30 years' experience in agricultural and horticultural soil management in a variety of roles in the public and private sectors. He holds an Associate Diploma in Nursery Management, a Bachelor of Science in Urban Horticulture, a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture (Soils), and Postgraduate Certificates in Ecotourism and Climate Change.

Declan established Regen Soils in 2020 and, through his academic training and working with growers, he became convinced of the intelligence of natural systems. As Principal Soil Scientist, Declan has contributed to a number of publications aimed at improving understanding and management of soil as a living realm. He has developed and delivered video and webinar content to advance the understanding of Regenerative Agriculture, and he has featured on Radio National’s The Science Show discussing the importance of soil carbon to the sustainability of food and fibre production systems.

Declan developed Landcare Australia’s Accounting for Nature-approved method to measure and monitor changes in soil natural capital and is focused on helping farmers maximise the productive capacity of the soil through promotion of biological activity supported by carefully selected fertilisers and other inputs. Ultimately, he aims to provide farmers with tools to leave their land in better condition, improve profitability, and reduce stress. 

Declan joined and gained accreditation with the Institute of Ecological Agriculture in view of the close alignment between his and the IEA’s understanding of, and aspirations for, good soil management. He has a gift for communicating complex scientific concepts using imagery and metaphor to bring the mysteries of soil to life and to empower farmers to engage more strongly in improving the natural capital of their farms.

IEA Accredited | June 2025

Kylie grew up in Central West NSW on a mixed farm. After her career took her to Ireland as the Media Director of Advertising and Marketing for Coolmore Stud, Kylie created the brand "Magners Farm" in 2017 based in County Tipperary. Magners Farm supplied regeneratively-farmed produce across Ireland and their eggs and pork were found in Michelin starred restaurants, five star hotels, and exported to Dubai. Kylie was also the winner of the 2020 EU Horizon Teagasc Newbie Farmer of the Year - Ireland. 

Kylie is now back in Australia and is focused on regenerative farming practices, sustainable farm systems, and nutritious locally produced food through her business Evolve Ag Agency. She is also the author of an educational book for children titled "Soil Sister, Farming for our Future". Kylie has been asked to speak at Groundswell (UK), Grounded (Aus), Global Citizen (Aus), Gulfood (Dubai), Ballymaloe Organic Farm and Cookery School (Ire) and for various Landcare, Local Land Services and school events.

When asked why she wanted to become accredited with IEA, Kylie replied: “I was drawn to IEA because of the holistic approach through education and advocacy. Great changes happen at grassroots level with community engagement and it’s such an honour to be a part of this team. The accreditation process really challenged my process thinking, gaining reflection on what it means as a human to be involved in this sector."

IEA Accredited | July 2025

Rachelle Armstrong is a regenerative agriculture coach, educator, and community builder based in Australia. Raised on a dairy/beef farm in Yackandandah, her passion for human and planetary health led her to a degree in Health Science and an early career in Community Development, including work in Sri Lanka and rural WA.

In 2005, she helped grow NutriSoil—her family’s biological fertiliser business—into a multi-award-winning, B-Corp certified enterprise that became a leader in the regenerative movement. In 2020, she co-founded Soil Restoration Farming (SRF), which supports independent coaches and consultants working with farmers to transition toward ecological agriculture.

A certified Results Coach (ICF), Syntropic Coach, and one of the first globally accredited ecological educators through the Institute of Ecological Agriculture (IEA), Rachelle brings a values-driven approach—Community, Health and Holism—to her work. She now mentors coaches, consults with regenerative ag businesses, and champions new models that make old systems obsolete.

IEA Accredited | August 2025

Kim Deans is a Holistic Agricultural Practitioner and Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, based near Inverell in the Northern Tablelands of NSW.

Through her enterprise, Reinventing Agriculture, Kim designs and delivers holistic learning and coaching experiences spanning farm business management, soil health, regenerative agriculture transitions, and personal and professional growth. She also develops resource materials for agroecological extension programs.

Combining a Bachelor of Rural Science (Honours) and a Master of Agriculture, with over 30 years of agricultural experience, Kim’s expertise lies in building adaptive capacity of people in agriculture. Her career spans farming, rural financial counselling, whole farm planning, soil health, and regenerative agriculture. Kim is particularly passionate about empowering women in agriculture.

For the past 20 years, Kim and her partner Angus have been custodians of land in the Northern Tablelands, undertaking soil restoration and biodynamic food growing. This work has been both an inward journey of personal growth and an outward commitment to ecological restoration. Inspired by nature, Kim draws motivation from the transformation she has experienced in her own life, finding opportunities for reinvention within challenges, transitions, and change.