The Southern Forest Food Council represents the interests of local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators, to further the region's status as the biggest food bowl in WA's South West.
The Southern Forest Food Council Inc. was established in September 2012 and takes in the towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Walpole and Northcliffe. This area is home to an incredible variety of produce and experiences, including around 50 different fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. In all, the agricultural sector is valued at around $96 million per annum, making it the area's most significant economic driver and representing a major opportunity to drive growth in the region.
The Food Council plays a critical role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create jobs, promote regional pride and ultimately achieve recognition as a highly regarded culinary tourism destination.
The Food Council was initially founded by a group of passionate local producers and those recognising the benefits that food-tourism could bring the area in late 2010. Its role was formalised following receipt of funding under the State Government's SuperTowns initiative. A steering committee, incorporating the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, Shire of Manjimup and South West Development Commission, was set up to support and monitor the project, with the Council's first Executive Officer Jeff Pow being appointed in October 2012. A Committee of Management comprising of local producers was formed to help steer the direction of its work.
Through the State Government's Royalties for Regions' Manjimup SuperTowns initiative, the Southern Forests Food Council was awarded a $5 million investment as part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project, in May 2012. SuperTowns is an $85.5 million initiative, under the Royalties for Regions program, to support population growth in southern WA. To date 17 major projects have been identified for funding across nine strategically located SuperTowns; Boddington, Collie, Esperance, Jurien Bay, Katanning, Manjimup, Margaret River, Morawa and Northam. The program is administered by the Western Australian Government’s Department of Regional Development and Lands.
Overview
The Southern Forest Food Council represents the interests of local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators, to further the region's status as the biggest food bowl in WA's South West.
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