Agritourism/agribusiness program to invigorate Scenic Rim

Scenic Rim farmers, food producers and rural landowners will have the opportunity to learn about innovating their business at an agritourism/agribusiness field day in early February.

The one day event will be presented by Australia’s leading independent agrifood and agritourism consultant, Regionality, in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Regionality founder and managing director Rose Wright has pioneered new approaches for developing and implementing farm-to-plate value chains and transforming several agricultural regions throughout Australia into high profile agrifood destinations and is excited to bring her expertise to the Scenic Rim again.

"I've already worked with some of the operators across the region, and with the Scenic Rim's strong credentials for fresh produce and authentic experiences, it's a great place for this type of diversification," she said.

"Information shared at the event will help farmers explore options for leveraging farm assets and/or current production, investigate ways to diversify and develop new pathways to market as well understand the potential for tapping into the visitor economy.

"Local producers who are already developing food innovations and agritourism as part of their farm business will also attend to offer insights into their experiences and successes.

"We've seen many farmers undertake this transformative program and go on to successfully develop new opportunities on their farm or from their produce.

"The mentoring and practical approach to agritourism and agribusiness provides participants with the support they need to diversify, create alternative or additional income streams, and in some cases, allow for succession planning to keep family members on the land.

“Domestic and export customers and visitors want authentic, regional produce and experiences, which we often take for granted,” Ms Wright said.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said it was a great opportunity for the region's many farmers and producers who have faced challenging conditions over the past few years.

"Many of our local farmers have been on the land for generations and their farms are not only a source of income, but also their way of life," he said.

"Hearing from a thought leader in collaborative value chains, agritourism and regional food is a great opportunity to understand the options available to support a consistent income stream during challenging times.

"We've seen some great successes in the region as some of our producers have opened up their farms to agritourism or supplied to different markets, and this has fared them well during tough times.

"We are grateful to be able to support this program as an initiative of the Community Development Program, jointly funded  under the Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements."

Rose Wright said the learnings didn't stop at the one day event.

"Following the field day, those farmers who want support to take ideas and options further, will have the ability to express interest in one of 15 places in Regionality’s highly regarded Agritourism/Agribusiness Business Development Program," she said.

"The program will be delivered in the Scenic Rim in a series of six full day workshops designed to support farmers and food innovators to learn new skills and develop their business concepts."

Robyn Lee from Greenlee Farm and Cottages said it was exciting to see this game-changing program happening again in the Scenic Rim.

"We were fortunate to be part of this workshop and business development program more than 10 years ago, which allowed us to broaden our minds on possible business opportunities," she said.

"Prior to participating in the program, we were sending our macadamia nuts straight to the processor, and now we are offering farmgate experiences as well as boutique accommodation.

"We learned so much about packaging our product, marketing and also diversifying into other streams including our very successful cottages.

"For any producers who want to unlock opportunities and think differently about how they do business, this is a must."

The field day will be held on Thursday 4 February 2021.

For more information about the program, email prosperity@scenicrim.qld.gov.au or info@regionality.com.au

To register www.eventbrite.com.au/e/scenic-rim-agribusiness-agritourism-information-day-tickets-132193788179

MEDIA CONTACT  Andrea Armstrong | Regionality | 0406 157 960