The Beagle
Jun 21, 2017
Eurobodalla Council’s Rural Producers Advisory Committee is looking to support Eurobodalla agricultural businesses by developing a Local Food Production Policy.
The policy will aim to support the provision of information and practical assistance to local agricultural businesses, helping ensure Eurobodalla’s rural areas are productive and diverse.
It will also underpin the development of an internationally-recognised brand and a local food culture that reflects Eurobodalla’s clean and sustainable farming practices from paddock to plate.
The Rural Producers Advisory Committee was established to assist Council in implementing recommendations of Council’s Rural Lands Strategy related to the growth, promotion and support of agriculture and rural tourism in Eurobodalla.
It comprises six community members, who are or represent local rural producers, Mayor Liz Innes as chairwoman, Councillor Phil Constable, General Manager Catherine Dale, Planning and Sustainability Services Director Lindsay Usher and a NSW Department of Primary Industries representative.
At their second meeting for the year in April, Committee members began discussing the purpose of a Local Food Production Policy and issues that need to be addressed to support a growing local food economy.
Cr Innes said the discussion was wide-ranging and informative.
“Our committee brings together an experienced group of local producers, people who are fully aware of the issues on the land and have some great insights and ideas for how we can all work together to grow the rural economy,” she said.
“They are now undertaking further research on a list of potential actions to achieve this purpose, for presentation back to the committee at their next meeting in July.”
Cr Innes said it was hoped a draft Local Food Production Policy would be ready for broader community engagement later this year.
The policy’s development implements one of the key actions of the Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy, endorsed by Council in 2016.
More information about the Rural Producers Advisory Committee is on Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au
Media Release