By Lee Mccarthy
Ensuring the unique food and agribusiness offerings from across the region are showcased to the world, the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) will be hosting its inaugural Food and Agritourism Conference on Monday 31 July 2023.
The event, timed to coincide with Curated Plate, which runs for 10 days at the end of July/Early August, is named Crafted Food and Agritourism Conference and has secured Australian chef and television presenter Paul West as the key note speaker.
Mr West was the host of a television series, ’A River Cottage Australia’ which followed his journey growing an abundance of farm-fresh food which he cooked and shared with his local community.
Mr West said he was excited at the prospect of sharing his knowledge and insights with producers from across our region.
“As someone who is a passionate advocate of real food, community, regional living and sustainable agriculture I am delighted to be coming to the Sunshine Coast to share some of my learnings, but importantly to learn more about the many incredible food and agribusiness producers that are really putting the greater Sunshine Coast on the map,” Mr West said.
Joining Mr West, on a panel of industry experts is Sarah Meikle, Chief Executive Wellington Culinary Events, Andrew Pitt Director Launceston Gastronomy and Carly Povey, COO Bonza.
A fifth panel expert will be announced in the coming weeks.
The panel will share their insights on how their respective regions have become leading food destinations and how they work with local industry to shape the regional food narrative.
“The food and agribusiness sector is such an important economic driver across South-East Queensland, and there is a real desire from the consumer to want to know about their produce and where it comes from,” Acting FAN CEO, Nicole McNaughton said.
“We are fortunate to have an abundance of producers and makers from across the region whose produce and products is getting noticed all over the world and so telling their stories is a wonderful way for people to increase awareness of, and build demand for, the outstanding produce that comes from our regions.
“We have been able to stage a unique Queensland wide food tourism conference as part of The Curated Plate where we will profile our region through the stories of our local producers and makers.
“We’re delighted to be joined by leading regional food tourism experts and hear how they showcase their region – through the profiling of their local producers.
“The event will be a great learning, networking and connecting opportunity for not only our local industry, but also for Queensland and interstate local government and tourism agencies who we look forward to welcoming to the Sunshine Coast.” Ms McNaughton said.
This event is supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and forms part of the wider Project Crafted initiative.
This Project has been developed in partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast and in collaboration with our regional partners including Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gympie Council, Tourism Noosa, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, Regional Development Moreton Bay and Regional Development Wide Bay.
The event will be held on Monday 31 July from 11:30am to 5:30pm at the Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Venning Street, Mooloolaba QLD.
Tickets for the event can be purchased Humanitix. www.events.humanitix.com/food-and-agribusiness-network-fan-meet-the-sunshine-coast-makers-and-crafted-food-tourism-conference