Discover Farming is a new event coming to the Goondiwindi region celebrating innovation, produce and agriculture from Friday 4 to Saturday 26 May. The festival will provide visitors with the opportunity to connect directly with agricultural producers and develop a clearer understanding of the complexity and scale of agriculture throughout the region.
The event was born from a local group who recognised the diversity and quality of produce coming out of the Goondiwindi region, and felt that they could help in building a recognisable profile for the area. Goondiwindi and surrounding regions encompass a total land area of approximately 19,300 square kilometres, land used largely for agriculture including cotton, grain, sheep and cattle grazing, and forestry.
Festival Co-ordinator Jerome Leray says “agriculture is the biggest economic contributor to the region’s economy, and is the largest employer, generating over 1,400 jobs for 27 per cent of the population. Our farmers and local businesses support the robust development of some of Australia’s most exciting and innovative farming technology alongside the growing demands of our domestic and international food supply chain.”
Amongst the region’s established food producers are Sunpork, Barambah Organics, and Human Bean Co by Woods Food. Additionally, there are boutique producers at Inglewood such as Coolmunda Olives and Leven K Lavender venturing into the growing demand of agricultural tourism, offering site tours and visits to their farm.
The festival spans across four weekends in May and is launching in line with the Goondwindi Show. Some of the highlights include a meet and greet with local innovators, a food trail through the Inglewood area, and a display of exciting and innovative farming, such as driver-less tractor technology and remote monitoring systems that test subsoil moisture and water levels.
As this is the first year the event will be held in Goondiwindi, the organisers hope that this will build local support, and possibly bring more people and investment into the region.
Readers may also be interested in this article on sustainable farm business, Eggcettera.
