- $725,000
funding to inspire food trade and investment in Southern Forests
- Cook
Government supporting economic growth and job creation in the regions
The Cook Government is helping create
opportunities for farmers and food and beverage businesses in Western
Australia's South West region, with $725,000 of funding for the Southern
Forests Food Council.
The Council has been working to promote the
Southern Forests as an internationally recognised gourmet food region and
culinary tourism destination for more than a decade.
The region, which spans Manjimup, Pemberton,
Northcliffe, Walpole, Bridgetown, Greenbushes and Nannup, is renowned for its
premium quality fruit and vegetables, truffles, nuts, wine, beef, sheep and
dairy farms.
The 'Genuinely Southern Forests' brand
identifies the region's produce and producers, which partners with the WA
Government's Buy West Eat Best food labelling program.
The
funding will enable the Council to focus on activities and implement strategies
that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the brand.
The Council has fostered strong partnerships
between wholesalers, retailers, chefs and Government to come together and work
towards a common goal of optimising the potential of the Southern Forests.
The Council is also building a stronger
future for the region working through the South West WA Drought Resilience
Adoption and Innovation Hub, supported by the Federal Government's Future
Drought Fund.
The funding consists of $425,000 previously
allocated to Southern Forests Food Council and $300,000 in new funding.
Comments
attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Southern
Forests Food Council plays an important role in helping local producers,
culinary and tourism operators to thrive and increase their contribution to the
region's economy, stimulating growth and jobs.
"This funding will
assist the Council to build on the gains it has made to pursue further trade
and investment in the diverse range of businesses and industries in this
beautiful part of our State."
Comments
attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"From
world-class truffles to wine, marron as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, the
Southern Forest region is one of Australia's premier food bowls.
"This
funding will help the Southern Forests Food Council to continue to promote the
region's premium produce on the domestic and international stage as well as
drive trade opportunities.
"The
'Genuinely Southern Forests' brand also partners with the State Government's
successful Buy West Eat Best food labelling program, allowing customers to
easily recognise fresh produce from our regions on supermarket shelves."
Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA
Jane Kelsbie:
"The Southern Forest Food Council has played a key role in
promoting the region as Western Australia's premier food bowl, and I am pleased
the Cook Government has secured this funding to help build on the long-term
sustainability of the Council.
"The Council have been instrumental in promoting the
Southern Forests as an internationally recognised agricultural region and
culinary tourism destination.
"I look forward to seeing the brand continue to flourish and
thrive, assisting to create more sustainable jobs in our beautiful region."
