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Agritourism field day invitation
The Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday Food and
Agritoursim Strategic Action Plan (the Plan) is
the first step in a catalyst process, designed to
identify the key actions needed to encourage
and support investment in new, quality food
and agricultural tourism product. The Plan aims
to foster the development of a vibrant regional
food culture to underpin the tourism experience
regionwide. It identifies opportunities for
regional producers and tourism operators
to collaborate to add value to their products
and services, including leveraging growing
consumer demand and trends for quality food
experiences.
The Queensland Government, Mackay Tourism Limited, and Whitsunday Marketing and Development Limited
engaged
Knowledge Transfer Services to facilitate the development of the Plan in consultation with the community.
What is an agritourism field
day?
More than 70 food producers, tourism and hospitality operators, community members and local government
representatives contributed their knowledge and experiences at a series of five workshops held throughout the
Agritourism provides business opportunities
for the agriculture and tourism sectors to work
region.
together and develop quality products,
services and experiences for visitors and consumers.
The consultation process identified missing links between key sectors and the various elements of the paddock to
plate
value
chain.
Whilst
there is the desire from
a producer
perspective
to accessto
higher
yielding
markets, effective
These activities add value to a farm and the
surrounding
region
and
can relate
farm
produce,
collaboration is needed to address some of the gaps in systems and processes currently. These fundamental logistical
connections
the viability
for producers
to trade
and distribute regionally.
While there
its environment or education about
farmchallenge
life. E.g.
on-farm
tours,
accommodation,
dining
or is an appetite
amongst commercial buyers to use the regions produce, they simply do not have access to reliable information and
entertainment.
a consistent supply of produce at a cost effective price to make it viable for their business.
There are a number of existing businesses within the region who have the capacity to provide logistical and transport
This information day will help you
learn
about
nature-based
and food
services,
however
accessagritourism,
to reliable and timely
information on the availability,
pricetourism
and distribution of food is a
significant issue. Strategic intervention is required to bring the supply, systems and demand together to make this
opportunities that may be available
how approach
you can
make
work
for you.
viable. Aand
collaborative
will be
requiredthem
to establish
a functioning
regional paddock to plate value chain
where the region will be able to develop and maintain the transition from an agricultural region to a food region.
If you want to integrate tourism into your farm business, this field day will provide an introduction
to the Agritourism Business Development Program. The program includes a series of six fullday workshops that are designed to help you prepare to establish and/or improve your food or
agritourism business.
Why should I come?
•
Agritourism is an opportunity to diversify farm business: it could provide an alternative
or additional income stream and a succession plan for keeping the family on the farm.
•
Learn from locals: listen and learn from experienced local producers who are already on a
path to developing food or agritourism as part of their farm business.
•
Find out about where to get advice: meet people from local and state government
agencies who can help support development of your venture.
Who can participate?
The program is open to farmers, producers and rural land owners, whether or not you have
considered farm-to-plate agriculture or have an idea you want to bring to life. If you are unsure,
contact us and we’ll help you decide if it’s right for you.
Agritourism field day events
There is significant interest in supporting the implementation of the Plan from a number of producers and organisations in the paddock to plate value chain. A steering
committee will be formed to consider the Plans recommendations and commence the implementation phase of the project.
Presented by the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Region and facilitated by Knowledge Transfer
Services, you are invited to join us at one of the following events:
One of the first areas of focus for the steering committee will be to form a Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Food Council to ensure that the collaboration across industry
sectors and between community and government continues and that the carriage of this plan remains a priority well into the future.
A series of presentations on the Plan will be conducted in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday local government areas in late 2014. This will provide an opportunity for those
who engaged with the planning process to be involved in taking the next steps to develop the MIW region as a well recognised food and agritourism region.
Wed 18 Feb 2015
Mackay Region
Agritourism Field Day
Mon 16 Feb 2015
Whitsunday Region
Agritourism Field Day
Fri 20 Feb 2015
Isaac region
Agritourism Field Day
Whitsunday Gold Coffee
Leighholmes,
Freckle Farm,
1 minute north of Proserpine
432 Cheeseborough Rd
247 Olletts Road
Eton
on the Bruce Highway
Clermont
Registration: 8.30 am – 9 am
Registration: 8.30 am – 9 am
Registration: 8.30 am – 9 am
Start: 9 am - 3 pm
Start: 9 am - 3 pm
Start: 9 am - 3 pm
Cost: $30 (includes morning
Cost: $30 (includes morning
Cost: $30 (includes morning
Launched by the
Honourable
Jann Stuckey MP, Minister for Tourism, Major Events,
tea and lunch)
tea
and lunch)
tea and lunch)
Small Business and the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, 8 October 2014.
RSVP: Thurs 12 Feb 2015
RSVP: Fri 13 Feb 2015
To register visit: www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/agritourism
For more information contact:
Amanda Lavarack
Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Office
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
Phone: 07 4898 6811
Email: amanda.lavarack@dsdip.qld.gov.au
RSVP: Tues 17 Feb 2015