- $725,000 funding to inspire food trade and investment in Southern Forests
- Cook Government supporting economic growth and job creation in the regions
The Cook Government is helping create opportunities for farmers and food and beverage businesses in Western Australia's South West region, with $725,000 of funding for the Southern Forests Food Council.
The Council has been working to promote the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised gourmet food region and culinary tourism destination for more than a decade.
The region, which spans Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Bridgetown, Greenbushes and Nannup, is renowned for its premium quality fruit and vegetables, truffles, nuts, wine, beef, sheep and dairy farms.
The 'Genuinely Southern Forests' brand identifies the region's produce and producers, which partners with the WA Government's Buy West Eat Best food labelling program.
The funding will enable the Council to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the brand.
The Council has fostered strong partnerships between wholesalers, retailers, chefs and Government to come together and work towards a common goal of optimising the potential of the Southern Forests.
The Council is also building a stronger future for the region working through the South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, supported by the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund.
The funding consists of $425,000 previously allocated to Southern Forests Food Council and $300,000 in new funding.
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Southern Forests Food Council plays an important role in helping local producers, culinary and tourism operators to thrive and increase their contribution to the region's economy, stimulating growth and jobs.
"This funding will assist the Council to build on the gains it has made to pursue further trade and investment in the diverse range of businesses and industries in this beautiful part of our State."
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"From world-class truffles to wine, marron as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, the Southern Forest region is one of Australia's premier food bowls.
"This funding will help the Southern Forests Food Council to continue to promote the region's premium produce on the domestic and international stage as well as drive trade opportunities.
"The 'Genuinely Southern Forests' brand also partners with the State Government's successful Buy West Eat Best food labelling program, allowing customers to easily recognise fresh produce from our regions on supermarket shelves."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The Southern Forest Food Council has played a key role in promoting the region as Western Australia's premier food bowl, and I am pleased the Cook Government has secured this funding to help build on the long-term sustainability of the Council.
"The Council have been instrumental in promoting the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
"I look forward to seeing the brand continue to flourish and thrive, assisting to create more sustainable jobs in our beautiful region."
