Mallee farmers are addressing the rural/urban divide by sharing their food production story with tourists as part of the BCG Farm Tours program.
The initiative, that launched in August last year, has gained international interest with visitors from as far as India and Indonesia taking the opportunity to include the tour in their itinerary.
Providing a cohesive link with other initiatives in the region such as the Silo Art Trail, participants meet farmers and hear first hand how food is produced in the region. Highlights have included the opportunity to observe sowing in action, sit in a harvester cabin and experience the scale of broadacre farming in the region.
“Visitors are reporting this tour is unique – there is nothing quite like it offered in the region” said BCG’s project lead, Louisa Ferrier. “They love the personal approach and it’s really rewarding seeing people start to understand the challenges and opportunities of food production.”
The tours have been further bolstered by the involvement of local businesses, including café Olive Joy. In preparation, proprietors Michelle and Tess Lee enjoyed a day in Mildura with renowned chef Stefano Di Pieri where he shared his passion for local produce including lamb, lentils, bread and olive oil, providing inspiration to the duo when catering for the event. The result is a delicious paddock-to-plate meal, provided by Olive Joy, which showcases these ingredients, and the experience is topped off with a famous vanilla slice from Sharp’s Bakery.
To find out more, visit www.bcg.org.au/farm-tours, or if you are a BCG member and interested in sharing your story with tourists, please contact BCG on 03 5492 92787 or info@bcg.org.au.
