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Spring is dropping a handy boost at the Anderson farm, west of Goulburn, where a veritable feast of food abounds.
Berries, plums, apples, wasabi, truffles and a host of vegetables are thriving and waiting to tantalise local and Sydney palates.
Parkesbourne Produce, owned by Julie and David Anderson, is making its mark just 10 years after the couple bought the property.
They moved from Sydney to harness Goulburn’s location between Sydney and Canberra and its cool climate.
Their niche produce, much of it for Sydney restaurants, have recently won a category of the 2017 Delicious Produce Award Gold Medal.
The Andersons is just one story in a wider narrative about the region’s rich agricultural sector. Its value will be celebrated at the inaugural National Agriculture Day to be held at the Grace Millsom Centre at the Goulburn Recreation Area on Tuesday, November 21.
The Day was introduced to celebrate the contribution farmers make to the nation. The Goulburn function, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, is coordinated by Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI).
CEO Mareeca Flannery said RDA jumped on board because agriculture was the backbone of the Goulburn area.
“It’s exciting being part of the inaugural event and given Goulburn’s position in the northern part of the (RDA) region, we thought what better place to hold it given that we have all the rural agencies here,” she said.
Hume MP Angus Taylor, who has a farming background, is opening the event. He will speak about the value of agriculture to the region and the current boom in sheep, lamb, wool and beef prices.
In late October, national wool sales busted through the $1 billion mark, the first time since 2002 wool had reached the milestone so early in the selling season, an Elders spokesman said.
Wool accounts for $158 million in output for the Capital region, of which Goulburn Mulwaree is a part, followed by cattle and calves ($146m) and sheep and lambs ($88m), according to RDASI
A total 707 people were directly employed in agriculture, fishery and forestry in 2016, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council economic portrait states. It was an increase of 230 people on 2011.
In 2011, agricultural output in the council area was valued at $36 million, up from $25m in 2005/06.
South East Local Land Services livestock officer, Matt Lieschke will also be speaking at the Ag Day barbecue function. He’ll be touching on innovation in the agricultural industry and LLS programs.
Department of Primary Industries resilience officer Ted O’Kane will talk about his role, aimed at helping producers cope with emotional and financial challenges. Finally, Australian Wool Network’s NSW manager, Goulburn-based Mark Hedley will speak about the history and importance of wool to the region, complementing a display.
Tasty rural produce, including Dewsbury’s Free Range Pork Sausages, will be on the night’s barbecue menu. Parkesbourne Produce, Bent Shed Produce, Yarralaw Springs Wines and Kingsdale Wines are among the stallholders showcasing local products. Popular Goulburn singer Jamie Agius will also perform at the event, which is open to the public.
Ms Flannery said she was looking forward to the night.
“It’s great that so many organisations and businesses are on board,” she said.
“It’s an exciting time in Australian agriculture with international markets seeking more and more of Australia’s high quality produce. Ag Day is a great excuse to bring everyone together to celebrate the significant contribution that farmers make not only to the Australian domestic market and economy but internationally as well.”
For further information visit http://www.rdasi.org.au/agdaygoulburn/ or call Camilla on 4822 6397