Plan gives farmers alternative markets

Farmers and restauranteurs in the Southern Queensland Country region have united to form the Southern Queensland Country Regional Food Network (SQCRFN), which will be the source of a new local trading system for businesses.
An outcome of the Southern Queensland Country Regional Food and Wine Development Plan, this system will ensure produce which has been grown in the region can be recognised and given preference by locals and visitors alike.
Jules McMurtrie, tourism development officer for Southern Queensland Country, is looking forward to the official launch of the plan tomorrow.
“It’s a very exciting time for the region,” Ms McMurtrie said.
“Creating closer connections between producers and consumers to create authentic regional food experiences is our goal, and this plan is the roadmap.”
The plan will be launched to an invitation-only gathering in Toowoomba tomorrow by the Hon John McVeigh MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Member for Toowoomba South.
Other outcomes of the plan include teaching farmers how to diversify into agritourism (food tourism), a mobile device designed for drive tourism and accredited farmers markets, to name a few.
Partners in the project include Southern Downs Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Toowoomba Golden West and South Burnett Tourism, Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism, Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Government.