The property was purchased in 1979 from the Tasmanian Government thanks to the efforts of a University of Tasmania fundraising appeal. Since then, it has been the scene of much hands-on learning and teaching of agricultural science for students at the University of Tasmania and hundreds of students have benefited from the opportunity to study in what is effectively a field laboratory.
The farm has also played an important role in enabling exciting research outcomes that have played a crucial role in the growth of major industries in Tasmania, including the early development and commercialisation of essential oil crops, and the pyrethrum industry.
For the past 15 years, a large proportion of the property (290 hectares) has been managed by Chris and Ronald Gunn, who have also played an instrumental role in supporting teaching and research on the site.
TIA is extremely grateful for this generous support of teaching and research activities over such a long period of time, and we know many students will have fond memories from this experience.
The remainder of the University Farm is leased by other tenants including Frogmore Creek Wines, seedEnergy, and Apple and Pear Australia Limited.
This year marks an end of an era as the Gunn Bros tenure at the farm comes to an end, creating an opportunity for a new farm manager to operate the property and continue the longstanding teaching and research linkages with the University.
The University of Tasmania is currently seeking a new tenant for the University Farm and an EOI process is open until midday, 4 November 2022.
For more information about the lease of the University Farm, please contact Andrew Fisher at Nutrien Harcourts at andrew.fisher@nutrien.com.au or 0407 805 624.