The Southern Forests Food Council are delighted with the announcement of the State Government’s contribution of $725,000 to support its on-going operations and focus on future successes.
After a successful ten years of operation the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) are thrilled to receive State Government support to strengthen its efforts, enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand, and secure its future viability.
SFFC Vice Chair Monica Radomiljac said ‘’The Southern Forests Food Council are delighted with the State Government’s funding announcement with the timing aligning well with our ten-year milestone celebrations and our focus on enhancing existing projects and exploring new initiatives.
We thank Premier Roger Cook for his acknowledgement of the support that the Food Council provides to growers and businesses in the Southern Forests region and look forward to liaising with the Minister for Regional Development, Hon Don Punch MLA and the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, on future projects that have the potential to add further to the many successes the Southern Forests Food Council has achieved for the region’s producers and businesses.’’
The funding will enable the SFFC to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the brand, including an innovative project to connect new markets, provide greater transparency and efficiencies for producers, and demonstrate the local industries commitment to ethical and sustainable practices and produce.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch stated, “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.”
The funding consists of $425,000 previously allocated from Royalties for Regions to Southern Forests Food Council and $300,000 in new funding. Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis commented, "From world-class truffles to wine, marron as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, the Southern Forests 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 SFFC welcomes the State Government’s support to ensure the significant efforts, investment, and achievements undertaken over the past decade can be further developed to strengthen the region as an industry leader and key economic driver for the State.
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Southern Forests Food Council
The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative and ongoing support and contributions from the Shire of Manjimup.
The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally-recognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region.
Media Contact:
Georgia Thomas, Director of Fresh Creative Management
M: 0431 444 918 | E: georgia@fresh-creative.com.au
Southern Forests Food Council
P: 9772 4180 | E: laura@southernforestsfood.com
Website: www.southernforestsfood.com
Facebook: Genuinely Southern Forests
Instagram: @genuinelysouthernforests
LinkedIn: Southern Forests Food Council