Sharan Rivett is Australia's only commercial pumpkin seed farmer. The specialised variety she grows, known as the Styrian pumpkin, is prized for its seeds which are traditionally pressed for oil in Slovenia, where her grandparents first started growing them.
Sharan and her parents developed their knowledge of growing pumpkin seeds in Queensland and Sharan moved the operation to North East Victoria about 13 years ago where it has grown exponentially ever since.
With no local industry to fall back on for advice, Sharan created her business by educating herself and also trying new methods, even if they didn't always work out. From accessing seed stock, to harvesting and processing, the once experimental business is now flourishing.
Sharan continues to refine the growing process using regenerative principles. Together with her husband Jay, she also owns and operates the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company from their shop, factory and education centre at Ovens. They sell traditional pumpkin seed oil and the seeds in a variety of flavours, as well as other local produce.
The couple is passionate about giving other farmers a leg up with social enterprises, sharing information about regenerative farming and informing customers about nutritious and tasty food.
