Farmer in Focus – Isabella 1822
From a humble backyard hobby, to a thriving beekeeping business, Isabella 1822 is all about sharing the magic of raw, cold-pressed honey with the Canberra community. Founded by a passionate duo based in Goulburn, this small-scale operation now spans hives across the ACT and NSW – from the South Coast to out west. We caught up with Kerrie from Isabella 1822 to hear about their journey into beekeeping, the meaning behind their unique name, and why the Market holds such a special place in their hearts.
What is your background, and why did you get into beekeeping and producing honey?
My partner Mark grew up with beehives in the backyard and was always interested in having a few hives in our own backyard. What started as a three hive hobby snowballed into a passion to share the benefits of premium, cold-pressed (raw) honey, and showcase how delicious different varieties of honey can taste.
Where are you based? And where do you have your hives?
We are based in Goulburn but have hives in the ACT and NSW (out west and on the South Coast). Farmers are always willing to have hives on their properties to help with pollination. We move our hives between properties depending on the season and what is in flower.
What do you love about beekeeping?
I love it when I am working the bees on a sunny day, they are busily humming away, and I am covered in bees. Days like that, you feel in tune with the bees, and it is very relaxing. I love that raw honey not only tastes good, but it also brings many health benefits and can be used medicinally. I love that because I have said it so many times that whenever they have a cut or abrasion, my grandchildren say, “put some honey on it”! I also love that beekeeping doesn’t stop with the honey – we can use the beeswax to make toxin-free candles, food wraps and skin care products.
Where did the name Isabella 1822 come from?
Isabella was the name of the convict ship that transported the first surviving European honeybees to Australia. They arrived in Sydney in 1822. To me, Isabella 1822 represents resilience because that would have been a long trip for those little bees!
What do you love about coming to Capital Region Farmers Market? Why is it important to you as a producer?
I love coming to the Capital Region Farmers Market because of the people – the camaraderie between organisers, stallholders and customers alike. I love it when customers stop to tell me about the highs and lows of their own experience with beekeeping, the different honey they have tasted from all over the world, or want to pick my brains about bees. Customers tell me about what they will be using the honey for, which is not always just eating and cooking, and I’ve even had customers bring in samples of the food they made (I didn’t know you could make pesto with honey!).
As a producer, the Market is so important for us to build connections and gain firsthand insights. We get real-time feedback, which helps us tailor offerings to consumer preferences. Customers love knowing where their food comes from, and direct contact helps us create loyalty and trust. Selling directly means cutting out the middlemen, and provides us with the opportunity to connect, collaborate and create partnerships with other producers, restaurants and retailers.
I let the customers know there is nowhere I’d rather be on a Saturday morning, and I’ll still be coming to the Capital Region Farmers Market when I’m 100!
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Whether it’s chatting with customers, swapping bee stories, or even sampling some of the food made from their honey, the team from Isabella 1822 bring more than just delicious produce to the Market, they bring a real sense of community. Their story is a reminder of the passion and purpose behind every stallholder at the Market. So next time you’re here on a Saturday morning, be sure to drop by, say hello and stock up on their amazing range of products.
