Your monthly FANmail update.

For so many individuals, businesses and communities across our country, its been a traumatic start to 2020. Our hearts have been heavy as we've watched great swathes of Australia burn and the terrible toll this has had on our wildlife, livestock and biodiversity. Within our region, our members are being impacted by drought, severe weather events and turbulent market conditions.

At times like these fear can creep in and invisible walls are built. It is at these times that it's more important than ever to offer to help, to ask for help and to connect with our communities.

Our food system is facing major challenges. But when I look across our region and see our members working so hard to look after the land that grows our food; and producing food that protects people's health and our precious resources; I am hopeful.

At the heart of everything we do, is our commitment to empower our members to shape the future together. We echo the sentiment of our friends at Food and Fibre Gippsland - we are in it (together) for the long haul.

Yours in collaboration
Emma Greenhatch

FAN NEWS

FAN Board of Directors 2020

We're pleased to officially announce FAN's new Chair and appointments to the 2020 Board of Directors. Andrew Eves-Brown CEO of COYO, has rejoined FAN's Board and will serve as its Chair. Paul Fisher, CEO of RDA Sunshine Coast also joins as a Director.

FAN's Board volunteer their time to represent our members and provide their skills and experience to guide FAN towards a sustainable future.

Andrew Eves-Brown (Chair) – COYO (Center)
Lauren Brisbane - QCamel (not pictured)
Jacqui Price – Jacqui Price Marketing (2nd left)
Paul Fisher – RDA Sunshine Coast (3rd left)
Kylie Watson – Nutworks (3rd right)
Sean McGowen – Montville Coffee (2nd right)
Ann Ross – Hive Haven (1st right)

READ MORE HERE.

Introducing FAN Connect

FAN is excited to announce that we are close to launching FAN Connect - our Business to Business (B2B) platform powered by Bizitize®. This will be another way for FAN to help our members to connect and work together. READ MORE HERE or for more info please contact Sam and Bec for a chat.

MEMBER RESOURCES

2020 Event Calendar

Grab a cuppa and plan which FAN events you'd like to attend in 2020. Our calendar features monthly member meet-ups, bi-monthly farm/site tours, capability building workshops and key events including our ever popular Meet the Makers which will be held on 15 June. We look forward to seeing you soon! READ MORE.

National Program

Are you looking to expand your markets in 2020? FAN's National Program will help you to identify distribution opportunities, develop your sales skills, manage a pipeline and convert leads. You'll also receive advice on trade and consumer shows relevant to your business. Contact FAN's National Relationship Manager Adele Laughton for more info.

FAN Member Facebook Page

Have you joined our FAN Facebook Members Group? It's a great way to connect with other FAN members, call out for information or contacts, hear the latest FAN news and promote your business or service. This Group is open to current FAN financial members. Click here and request to join.

FAN Member Guide

Following the success of our Christmas Gift Guide, we'd like to compile a guide of FAN members' products to showcase our local industry. As privacy laws prevent us from sending member details to third parties, we're developing this opt-in guide to accommodate the numerous requests we receive. FIND OUT MORE.

FAN Member Badge

Out now is our 2020 FAN member badge to show your support of our local food industry. For use in your promotional assets, our member badge is proudly designed by long-term FAN supporter and member Muddie at Ingenious Studios. Email Bec to access your badge.

Grant Writing Service

Planning to expand in 2020 or need funding support for a project? Then consider applying for the many grants on offer from numerous government departments and organisations. Discuss your eligibility and how to navigate this often complex process by chatting with J enny Lawson from Successful Grants. FAN Member discounts are on offer.

Awards and Trade Shows

Profiling your brand and products is key for any business. Entering food industry awards and participating in trade and consumer shows is a great way to do this. Finding out when and how to participate is time-consuming, so we've compiled a list that's regularly updated. Visit our member resources on FAN's website for more info.

OPEN EOIs

FIAL Innovation Book

Our valued partner FIAL is calling for EOIs for this year's Food Innovation book. Five FAN members' stories will be featured that demonstrate how collaboration leads to innovation. With national and international distribution, this is a great branding opportunity. Email emma@foodagribusiness.org.au to register your interest.

Maleny Show

FAN Members are invited to showcase and sell their produce and products at this year's Maleny Show (29-30 May). Show organisers are offering a special FAN Member discount of $100 per stall (normal price $150). With over 6,000 visitors expected over the 2 days, it's the Sunshine Coast Hinterland's premier Ag Show. FIND OUT MORE.

Regional Flavours

Stallholder Applications are now open for Regional Flavours 2020, information can be found here. Applications will close on Friday, 21 February with successful applicants being notified on Friday, 13 March. For many FAN members, this is their most successful consumer show on the calendar.

The Curated Plate

The Curated Plate will return to the Sunshine Coast from 6-9 August 2020. Further information on opportunities to participate is coming soon. Sunshine Coast Council have announced they will have a local co-ordinator as a primary contact for participating businesses.

Farmers2Founders

Are you a producer with an idea for a value-add business, or an invention to commercialise? Applications for the Farmers2Founders (F2F) Ideas Program are now open. F2F helps you get started, get unstuck, and get the support you need to turn your idea or invention into a business. READ MORE.

MEMBER NEWS

GABS Hottest 100

Here's cheers and a big congrats to our local breweries and FAN Members making this year's GABS Hottest 100 List.
Your Mates Brewhouse #5
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co. #45
Brouhaha Brewery #94
Also congrats to 10 Toes Brewery with their brews placed #48, #52 and #75.

Fable's National Launch

Following the Melbourne launch in partnership with Heston Blumenthal, Sunshine Coast based Fable is bringing its exciting new plant-based meat to the local market. In a Queensland first, the sumptuous plant based alternative to slow braised meat, will feature on acclaimed Glass House Brewery's pizzas.

KOKOPOD Opening

Congratulations to Brigid and the KOKOPOD team on the opening of their new store at The Ginger Factory. The opening is a continuation of a long standing collaboration and friendship. The idea to use the space in the Overboard Boat came to fruition during the recent Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

Maleny Pie Guy Opening

Congratulations to Jamie AKA The maleny pie guy on the grand opening of his new store in - you guessed it Maleny! To celebrate his opening he launched the new "My Mates of Maleny" Pie featuring a collaboration with Maleny Angus Beef and Brouhaha Brewery - seriously tasty.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our new members who have joined since October last year. We look forward to supporting you.

bin`dha farm

thefarm@wolvi

HELP Employment & Training

Mallorys Tocino

Gold Creek Harvest

BDC Market Intelligence

Robert Reeves Food Consultancy

Byron Bay Bliss Balls

East Forged Pty Ltd

IGA Buddina

Waiva Clark Distributing

Noosa Beverages PL

Amrita Park Meadery

Rainforest Bounty Pty Ltd

Sustainable Innovation Company

Maple Street Co-op

Food Innovation Partners Pty Ltd

Little Platter Co.

Barking Mad Marketing

Gathar

Immune Boost Foods

Mill Street Kitchen & Pantry

UPCOMING GRANTS

Business Growth Fund Program - If you're a small or medium business with high growth potential, this grant provides up to $50,000 for a $100,000 to $200,000 project. CLOSES 17 FEB.

Package Assisting Small Exporters - This grant will assist small exporters in the dairy, fish, eggs, grain, plant, horticulture, meat and animal product industries to overcome barriers to market access. CLOSES 28 FEB.

Land Restoration Fund - This aims to expand carbon farming in the state by supporting land-sector projects that deliver additional environmental, social and economic co-benefits. CLOSES 28 FEB.

Contact Jenny at Successful Grants to discuss your eligibility on 0418 884 264 or email info@successfulgrants.com.au.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday 12 February	FAN Member Meet Up – Moreton Bay	Moreton Bay
Monday 17 February	Path to Advanced Manufacturing Session	Sunshine Coast
Thursday 26 February	FAN Member Meet Up – Gympie	Lindols Macadamia Farm Cafe
Saturday 7 March	Big Heart Bamboo Long Table from People Places Plates	Big Heart Bamboo
Monday 9 March	FAN Partner Site Tour	Sunshine Coast Airport
Thursday 23 April	FAN Member Meet Up	Sunshine Coast Cider

BETTER BUSINESS TIPS WITH BENTLEYS

By Jo Adams, Business Development Manager Bentleys

Improving business outcomes – AgTech is about more than just the driverless tractors. For those in the agribusiness sector, over the last 20 plus years developments in technology and process improvements have promised and delivered more efficient farming techniques. Right now, the industry is excited about the next generation of AgTech – the Internet of Things, satellite technology, biometric tagging and automation – to name just a few. But there’s more benefits to your business than just new and improved techniques. The data that AgTech generates can transform your decision making.

How can AgTech improve performance and productivity for your business? Find out here.

Need help to grow your business? The team at Bentleys offers FAN members a FREE no-obligation 30-minute meeting to discuss your business. Contact us today if you’d like to book an appointment.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

EPIC has been helping people with disability find and maintain employment for almost 30 years. They provide a personalised service for every person, and stay on their journey until our assistance is no longer needed. Too often, people with disability are underestimated and we know first-hand that disability doesn’t mean you can’t find a job you love.

EPIC Assist is proud to be supporting FAN members to find job-ready employees who will bring valuable new perspectives and a competitive advantage to their businesses. EPIC's consultants will work with you to break down barriers around hiring people with disability.

FIND OUT MORE about how EPIC can help your business.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

Special thanks to FAN's Partners who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth of our regions' food and agribusiness industry.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING FAN

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Private Linkedin Group - Connect with Industry Professionals
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