Business
24 September, 2021
Supporting Agri-Tourism in the Cassowary Coast
LAST week, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) hosted a one-day mentoring and capacity building workshop with local farmers that are seeking to develop or expand into the agritourism space.
Economic Development & Tourism Portfolio holder, Councillor Renee McLeod said the workshops aim was to inspire and provide confidence to farmers with the desire and capacity to undertake new or expanded agritourism ventures.
“There were 17 farmers that registered for the one-day agritourism workshop, and during the course were encouraged to share and explore ideas, identify opportunities and challenges and gain an understanding of the regulatory processes relevant to agritourism.
“This program will give agricultural businesses within the area, the foundations to diversify and move into the tourism landscape.
“From the workshop, farmers were encouraged to develop their own 100-day action plan of the next steps in developing or expanding their agritourism business.
After 90 days, DAF officers will follow up on their current actions to determine what further support farmers may need.
“Council is really hopeful that agritourism becomes another selling point for our area and with the support of the ‘Taste Farm Life’ campaign, believe that domestic tourists will aspire to experience farm and food tourism and achieve an overall boost to the local economy,” said Councillor McLeod.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government’s ‘Taste Farm Life’ agritourism campaign would encourage tourists to get off the beaten track or take a day out of their usual beach holiday destination to discover new experiences in rural and regional Queensland.
“Queensland’s handling of the COVID threat means there are opportunities for tourists to explore more of our great state and experience innovative and unique offerings from agricultural businesses that have diversified into agritourism,” Mr Furner said.
“Many agribusinesses offer a variety of food and farm experiences including farm gate sales, food and wine sampling, farmer’s markets, pick-your-own fruit and veggie experiences, farm stays, and food and farm festivals and events.
“These exciting and memorable holiday adventures are often within easy driving distance of coastal communities and the time has never been better for people to get a real taste of where their food comes from.”
The ‘Taste Farm Life’ campaign is part of the Queensland Government’s $2 million agribusiness diversification initiative under the Economic Recovery Plan to build capability and explore potential diversification opportunities in agricultural businesses, including for tourism.
DAF Principal Agribusiness Development Officer, Angelika Ziehrl said the Cassowary Coast Council is integral to agritourism development in the region and has supported this workshop and project from the outset.
“Farmers interested in agritourism business development can contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries,” said Angelika Ziehrl.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries can be reached via email at agritourism@daf.qld.gov.au, phone at 13 25 23, by the Queensland Government’s one-stop service for development and investment in agriculture or by visiting the Taste Farm Life website.
