PRODUCERS from the Richmond Valley and surrounds will stage a gourmet experience to put them squarely on the culinary map. The Richmond Valley Made Paddock-to-Plate Feast will be held under the stars in the gardens of Windara, Casino, on Friday 25 November.
Commissioned by Richmond Valley Council and delivered by agritourism and agribusiness specialists Regionality, the evening will showcase the region’s resilience, innovation and quality. With its inception in the wake of the 2019 bushfires as part of the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Program, the event is now being staged just as floodwaters recede.
“This period has been incredibly challenging for farmers,” Regionality Managing Director Rose Wright said.
“This region’s producers faced drought and devastating fires, which led straight into a global pandemic, and then flooding. So many plans have changed, yet they’ve continued with quiet persistence.
“The paddock-to-plate event is a celebration of the incredible innovation of our region’s talented and determined producers.”
From a Whiporie-Lismore beef business to Richmond Valley pastured poultry producers, dryland rice farmers, olive and cheese producers, and flower farmers, the paddock-to-plate evening features some true gems of the region.
According to Richmond Valley Council’s Manager Community Connection Sharon Davidson, local producers have shown a dedication to adapting to challenges, and they know the importance of connecting with consumers.
“While visitors to the diverse NSW Northern Rivers region might first picture coastal hot-spots, the Richmond Valley has been the unsung agricultural powerhouse in our area for many years,” Ms Davidson said.
“It should be front-of-mind as a hub of quality, sustainable produce and agritourism.”
The Richmond Valley Made Paddock-to-Plate evening is a way the local community can show their support for our farming community, taste some incredible local food and share in some of their stories.
“These producers have all weathered hardship … we have worked directly with Richmond Valley Pastures, for example, to support their shift to consumer-direct pasture-raised poultry after a massive shock to their business,” Ms Wright said.
“This event is about unassuming producers doing a wonderful job to build resilience and thrive, branching into branded and value-added produce and connecting with their consumers. It’s wonderful to have the chance to celebrate their amazing work.”
For comment: contact Regionality Managing Director Rose Wright at rose.wright@regionality.com.au or 6674 1056; or Richmond Valley Council’s Manager Community Connection Sharon Davidson on 0419 401 214.
Don’t miss the Richmond Valley Made Paddock-to-Plate event.
Date: Friday 25 November, 6pm-9.30pm
Location: Windara Gardens, 235 Sextonville Road, Casino NSW 2470
Cost: $82.50 (inc GST) + booking fee
What’s included: A three-course, locally-crafted menu will be served, while beverages will be available for purchase.
Click here to book your seat at the table!