Hosted by Coffs Harbour City Council and sponsored by Kempsey, Bellingen and Nambucca Shire Councils, the Mid North Coast Food Forum featured Red Lantern restaurant owner Pauline Nguyen as keynote speaker, as well as an impressive program of regional producers keen to share the secrets of their business success.
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Kempsey Shire Council manager of economic sustainability Susannah Smith said council support for the event is part of the Macleay Valley Food Bowl Agribusiness Strategy aimed at strengthening the sector’s economic performance, increasing the value and volume of production and growing jobs.
“The Macleay really shone at the inaugural MNC Food Forum last year and 2015 was even bigger and better for the Macleay again,” Ms Smith said.
“From developing home-made style meatballs and selling them into large supermarket chains, to making award-winning cheeses and selling at regional grower markets, the regional industry case studies provided practical know-how, inspiration and valuable first-hand tips and knowledge on how to achieve commercial success in the agribusiness sector.”
Macleay growers also had the opportunity to network with other regional producers and retailers and source new buyers for their produce, while produce from Burrawong Gaian and Blueberry Greens farms were also featured during the evening’s Harvest dinner.
“Producers of the calibre of Burrawong Gaian are making the Macleay Valley known as a premium destination for high quality produce by taking their product, branded with the Macleay Valley Food Bowl, into some of the country’s most elite kitchens including those of Kylie Kwong, Jamie Oliver and Matt Moran,” Ms Smith said.
As part of its agribusiness strategy, Council is also currently developing a Macleay Valley Food Bowl Agribusiness Investment Guide to provide existing landowners and potential investors with valuable land capability, produce and market information.
The Guide will be launched in April 2016 and promoted at the new dedicated Macleay Valley Food Bowl website www.macleayvalleyfoodbowl.com.au
