A MUSHROOM grower, olive producer, poultry producer and a farmers’ market will soon show off the Richmond Valley’s fantastic food offerings thanks to support from Richmond Valley Council.
All will participate in this year’s renowned Northern Rivers Harvest Food Trail, held over the weekend 6-7 May.
The Harvest Food Trail allows visitors and locals to have a self-drive experience throughout the Northern Rivers, visit some of our best farms, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants, and enjoy our vibrant local food scene.
Council is supporting these local food businesses with free participation in the 2023 Harvest Food Trail and one-year membership of Northern Rivers Food.
Although not financially supported by Council, a Swan Bay sugarcane farm is also part of the trail.
Director Community Service Delivery Angela Jones said Council recognised the importance of agriculture to the region and was pleased to be able to help promote the Richmond Valley’s thriving food industries to a broader audience.
Ms Jones said Council’s aim was to make the Richmond Valley a “regional flavour destination”, capitalising on its reputation as a clean, green food bowl.
She said the Richmond Valley was a perfect travel-tasting experience where tourists could visit a range of food producers, including those who grow, process and sell their products.
“We are proud of our food producers and providers and are excited to help them partner with Northern Rivers Food to promote and celebrate all the Richmond Valley offers,” she said.
“The Harvest Food Trail is a fantastic opportunity for these local businesses.”
CASINO FARMERS MARKET
Saturday 6 May 8am-12pm, Crawford Square (aka the Skate Park), South Casino
Join us at the Casino Lion’s Farmers Market to experience some of the fabulous foods, flowers and fun the Richmond Valley has to offer. Have a chat with our farmers and artisans while sampling a range of their products as local musicians showcase their talents. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and discover the pleasure and benefits of shopping at a Farmer’s market.
SUNSHINE SUGAR WALSH SUGARCANE FARM
Saturday 6 May 10am, Old Ferry Road, Swan Bay
Tom Walsh and his son Marty are fourth and fifth generation farmers. Collectively, they farm some 440 hectares of sugarcane around the Woodburn and Wardell area. Meet Marty on-farm for a first-hand introduction to the NSW sugar industry, which has been a thriving in the Northern Rivers for more than 150 years. Get up close to some of the key farming machinery and equipment used in modern-day cane farming and walk amongst the sugarcane and soybean crops on the farm.
Note: This is a working property, so please wear covered, flat shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground. Amenities may not be available on site.
RICHMOND MUSHROOMS
Saturday 6 May 12pm to 4pm, Woodburn-Evans Head Road, Doonbah
Enjoy a tour of a commercial mushroom farm, nestled on the edge of the Bundjalung National Park. The tour will be led by owners Matt and Kylie O’Reilly. The farm grows Agaricus bisporus (white mushrooms) from babies to large flats. There are six grow rooms producing between 1.5mt to 2.0mt per week. They pick, pack and deliver six days a week from Yamba to Tweed Head. The farm is fully certified under Freshcare, HARPS and Fair Farms.
GRACEMERE FARMSTEAD
Saturday 6 May and Sunday 7 May farm tour from 3pm to 5pm, 650 Fogwells Road, Yorklea
So much to see and do at Gracemere. Observe the benefits of the regular moving of our different animals – horses, chickens, ducks, donkeys, sheep, goats, cows, geese, pigs and more. Smile as you watch the pigs play and roll in the mud. Find out the difference between meat chickens and layer chickens. Observe the goats and sheep eating happily. See the cute baby donkeys. Cuddle a baby chick. Visit the egg-laying caravan.
MONGOGARIE OLIVES
Sunday 7 May 9am to 4pm, 1310 Mongogarie Road, Mongogarie
Visit family-owned olive grove, with 1300 olive trees producing extra virgin olive oil, table olives and olive tapenade. The grove was established in 1996, drawing on the owners’ southern Italian heritage to grow and produce olive products. The farm-gate stall will be open with products for tasting and purchase. Visitors are welcome to wander through the olive grove.
So jump in your car and enjoy the whole paddock-to-plate experience. Choose from a food and beverage discovery trail of more than 35 leading food producers, farms, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and food outlets across the region. Enjoy a leisurely drive at your own pace, choosing your own itineraries over the weekend.