RICHMOND Valley Council, in conjunction with Northern Rivers Food, is providing an opportunity for three food businesses within the local government area to take part in a special support program to help them get back on their feet after COVID lockdowns and devastating floods.
The selected businesses will get to participate in this year’s renowned Northern Rivers Harvest Food Trail, which will be held over the weekend 6-7 May.
The Harvest Food Trail provides visitors and locals with an opportunity to jump in their car and visit some of the Northern Rivers region’s best farms, distilleries, breweries and restaurants and enjoy the distinct provenance of our region.
Visitors on the trail can plan their own itinerary over the weekend to experience the range of more than 40 unique food and beverage experiences and connect with our amazing producers, growers, farmers and chefs, showcasing the best the region has to offer.
This opportunity has received support from Council to allow three local businesses to align with some of the most high-profile food and beverage producers and providers in our region, and open their doors to new customers and markets, as well as receiving the industry support offered by Northern Rivers Food.
Council’s Manager Community Connection Sharon Davidson said the past few years had been incredibly challenging for farmers and this special support program offered by Northern Rivers Food would help build resilience in the sector.
“Our region’s producers faced drought and devastating fires, which led straight into a global pandemic, and then flooding,” Ms Davidson said.
“The Harvest Food Trail is renowned for its celebration of the region’s capable and determined producers and it would be terrific to be able to showcase the talent we have here in the Richmond Valley.”
Successful applicants to the program will receive a one-year membership of Northern Rivers Food and free participation in the 2023 Harvest Food Trail with support in promotion and planning from both Northern Rivers Food and Richmond Valley Council,
The program is open to an assessment process run in conjunction with Richmond Valley Council and Northern Rivers Food, and interested businesses should contact Lorissa Phelan, Communications and Festival Coordinator at Northern Rivers Food, on socialmedia@northernriversfood.org or 0409 028 153, or head to Council Notices on the Richmond Valley Council website.