About us
PermaCann is an aspiring craft cannabis producer with aspirations of becoming one of Queensland's leading cultivators in the cannabis sector. Grounded in our core values, we are a permaculture operation utilizing the biodynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner's teachings, ensuring our focus aligns with the forces of nature brought in by the cosmos. We envision our farm as a living, breathing organism, developed to work in perfect harmony with nature. Our journey begins with the careful collection of livestock manure, combined with sources of carbon, nitrogen, minerals, rock dusts, and biodynamic amendments, all vital components of our perfect compost set - the cornerstone of our 'Living Soil' recipe. This holistic approach reflects our unwavering dedication to sustainability, quality, and an eco-conscious future.
We understand the highest quality end product begins with the highest quality inputs. Our devoted team of agricultural specialists tend to the land tirelessly to ensure our livestock revel in only the finest feedstock they can wrap their mooing, clucking, squealing, and baaaaring gear around. With a steadfast focus on animal husbandry, our livestock are instrumental in sustaining a robust ecosystem. Our garden beds, devoid of any synthetic substances, are composed of over 30% organic matter, providing fertile ground for our plants to flourish to their utmost potential.
Our history
PermaCann's journey began not in 2023, when it was formally established, but in the lush, green pastures of a childhood spent amidst the wonders of biodynamic farming. As a boy, Aaron, the founder of PermaCann learned the rhythms of the earth, the dance of the seasons, and the intricate balance of nature. This early immersion in an environment where farming was not just about cultivation, but about a deep, respectful partnership with nature, laid the foundation for what PermaCann would become.
Biodynamic farming, an approach that treats farms as unified and individual organisms, emphasizes balance and seeks to create a diversified and balanced farm ecosystem. Growing up, Aaron saw first-hand how this method harnesses the forces of nature to nurture the soil and the crops it supports. It was a legacy of not just growing plants, but nurturing life in its most holistic sense. This profound connection with nature's rhythms and cycles deeply influenced his vision for sustainable, organic cannabis cultivation.
Fast forward to 2023, and PermaCann emerged as the embodiment of these lifelong lessons. Situated in Central Queensland, the company was born out of a desire to create not just a cannabis farm, but a sustainable entity that thrives in harmony with its environment. PermaCann's practices are a testament to Aaron's childhood learnings - from the meticulous creation of living soil, rich with organic matter, to the integration of livestock in the farm's ecosystem, every aspect of PermaCann reflects a commitment to sustainable farming principles.
Emerging to become one of QLD's premier craft cannabis producers, PermaCann stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, marrying the traditional wisdom of biodynamic farming with modern cultivation techniques. This fusion ensures that every plant is not just a product, but a piece of a legacy - a legacy rooted in a boy's awe for the harmony of nature, and his journey to bring that harmony into the realm of medicinal cannabis.
PermaCann pioneers
Aaron Hopson
Founder & CEO
Matthew Schofield
Head of nutrients, inputs and IPM
Aaron has a history in agriculture, fostered through the guidance and mentorship of his parents. His formative years were spent engaged in fundamental farm duties including: feeding calves, setting fences, milking cows, feeding cows, and dairy sanitization. Being the only son in the family, Aaron soon took on more complex tasks, including basic maintenance on tractors, machinery, and irrigation infrastructure, through to tilling the soil, sowing crops, and irrigation, followed by cutting hay, raking, baling, and storing hay or silage.
Expanding on his horizons, Aaron increased his all round versatility and began an apprenticeship in 2003 earning a Certificate III in Mechanical Engineering; Fitting & Turning, in mid-2007. Aaron's accomplished career, which extends across Australia and into the Middle East, has seen him excel in various critical roles. As a Mechanical Commissioning Supervisor, he has overseen not only tunnel ventilation systems in what has been quoted as "the world's most complex tennel system", but also onshore and offshore LNG projects in the oil & gas sector. His expertise in ensuring vendor compliance as a third-party Mechanical Commissioning Authority highlights his versatile command over HVAC/MVAC systems. This broad experience, particularly with complex ventilation systems, holds immense relevance for PermaCann, underlining his capability to manage and innovate in highly specialized and technical environments.
Aaron's extensive experience in leading complex and groundbreaking projects in Australia uniquely positions him to propel PermaCann to the forefront of the industry. Aaron's understanding of intricate project management, coupled with his ability to navigate and shape the ever-evolving infrastructure and energy sectors, equips him with the vision and skills necessary to guide PermaCann. Aaron's impressive career history positions PermaCann to be a formidable player in the industry, poised for sustainable growth and innovation. His track record, marked by diverse and technically challenging projects, brings a wealth of experience that is vital for navigating the competitive landscape. This background, combined with a commitment to operational excellence, ensures PermaCann is well-equipped to thrive alongside industry leaders, continually adapting and setting high standards in a rapidly evolving market.
Matt, our Head of Nutrients, Inputs, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), has his expertise deeply rooted in his passion for organic gardening and exploring natural remedies. He and Aaron first crossed paths while maintaining remote area compressor stations in Western QLD. Yearning to pursue their respective passions, a seemingly small conversation in the office led to the formation of a strong and ambitious partnership.
Experiments developing fish emulsion fertilizer sparked connection between Matthew and Aaron, leading their discussion into a comprehensive exploration of sustainable agricultural techniques. Their combined expertise in creating biologically rich soil amendments and foliar sprays was a testament to their dedication to organic gardening and natural remedies. This collaboration was the catalyst for the birth of 2MO, PermaCann's in-house division focused on nutrients, soil amendments, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Their aligned vision and complementary skills not only fortified their partnership but also paved the way for Matthew's seamless transition into PermaCann, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
With over 30 years of professional experience in electrical maintenance and leadership roles, including positions as a Maintenance Supervisor and Electrical Superintendent, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership skills, and proficiency in business tools such as Lean and Six Sigma. His unique perspective is a valuable asset to our team. Matt and his long-term wife, a horticulturist, have lived and worked on small-scale hobby farms in NSW, NT, and finally in Queensland for over 20 years. The production of mangoes, Tahitian Limes, and jackfruit was capped at 200 trees. However, their interest in a variety of exotic fruit trees on a barren substrate led both of them on a journey to create living soils that could become self-sufficient and yield more nutrient-rich produce. Now, the development of pesticides and plant nutrient liquids, all with natural ingredients, promotes the best possible pest-free and thriving plant environment, which is where Matt's passion lies.