Across the network this past month, we’ve seen what happens when connection turns into opportunity. From Harvest to Hospitality, where chefs and producers came together to strengthen local supply, to Member Meet Ups that brought people onto farm to share knowledge and real-world experience, these moments are creating practical outcomes for businesses across our regions.
This is what FAN is built for — connecting the right people, in the right settings, to support growth across the food and agribusiness value chain. In this edition, you’ll find highlights from across the network, along with upcoming events, programs and opportunities designed to help you take your next step.
Make sure to ‘view entire message’… this one is a little longer than usual – see if you can spot the Easter Egg!
The FAN Team
Bek, Jacki, Rebecca, Nicole & Anna
Table of Contents
Member Spotlight
Is your FAN Directory listing up to date?
One of the many ways we shine a spotlight on our members is through the FAN Member Directory. This week we are highlighting one of our members:
Green Valley Fingerlimes
Green Valley Fingerlimes produce premium Australian native fingerlimes on the Sunshine Coast, known for their vibrant colour and signature citrus “caviar” pearls. Supplying both fresh fruit and value-added products, they bring a unique native flavour to kitchens, bars and menus across the region.
You can view Green Valley Fingerlimes’ full profile in the FAN Member Directory here.
The information we use for these spotlights often comes directly from the Member Directory listing, so it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure your profile includes:
• A clear business description
• Your logo and images
• Website and social links
• Up to date contact details
A strong listing helps other members, buyers and collaborators quickly understand what you do and how to connect with you.
Connect and Commercial members can update their listing anytime by logging into WAVE. Update your profile in WAVE here.
Not currently listed in the directory?
The FAN Member Directory is a benefit available to Connect and Commercial members. If you would like your business to be discoverable and considered for future member spotlights, upgrading your membership is the next step.
FAN Member News
Stuart Andrews of Forage Farms and Tarwyn Park Training, has made a film, Rehydrate Australia, highlighting he and his father’s lifelong work restoring landscape function. At its core it’s about understanding how water and plants naturally shape the land, and then working with those natural patterns to rebuild soil integrity, improve water retention and bring farms back to life.
The film shares real examples of this in action, including Samford members Kelly and Grant Townsend, whose property has been reshaped through better water flow, grazing and vegetation placement. A clear, practical watch that shows how restoring natural function can lead to more productive and resilient farms. There is a place too for those on smaller blocks wondering where to start – is it the driveway, the view or the house? Perhaps this film will help you understand the role that geology and geography plan in land design.
Harvest to Hospitality
This March, we brought together chefs, venue operators, and producers at Coolum Beach Bar for Harvest to Hospitality. The Chef’s Roundtable, facilitated by Matt Golinski, sparked practical conversations around local sourcing – what’s working, what can improve, and how we can collaborate more effectively. There was strong alignment among all participants, with chefs committed to using local produce for its quality, regional connection, and story it brings to the menu.
Key points included understanding what’s available, clear communication, and making the ordering process smoother. The intent from chefs to work with producers to make local supply work was evident, with strong relationships highlighted as key to success.
The Producer Showcase followed, allowing chefs to connect with regional suppliers, explore products, and discuss future supply. This is exactly what Harvest to Hospitality aims to achieve!
We’ll take the insights from the chefs roundtable back to our members and continue to support producers in ways that work for both sides.
A big thank you to all participants and contributors, and to Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast, and Food & Hospitality Queensland for their support.
Out and About
Member Meet Ups Across the Regions
We’ve had some great moments across the network recently, with Member Meet Ups at Curlew Ridge Flower Farm and Seven Hills Estate bringing members together on-farm across Moreton Bay and the greater Sunshine Coast region.
At Curlew Ridge, Amanda Parker shared how she’s built a thriving floristry and agritourism business, while at Seven Hills Estate, James and Michelle Burnett gave members a practical look at regenerative farming in action.
These mornings are about getting out on farm, asking questions, and hearing directly from those doing the work. It’s where connections are built, ideas are shared, and real value is created across the network.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Martin Duncan: Moreton Bay/Sunshine Coast Foodie for capturing the moments.
FAN Events
Member Meet-Up at Gilldora Grove – Wednesday 15 April, 9am-12pm
We’re heading to the Mary Valley for our April Member Meet-Up at Gilldora Grove, a certified organic farm led by the Watson family.
Over the past 15 years, they’ve built a diverse, regenerative operation grounded in organic and biodynamic practices. During the morning, we’ll hear their story and explore how they approach biodiversity, land management and production in a practical, on-farm setting.
As always, this is a chance to connect with other members, share what you’re working on, and build relationships across the network. Register here.
Tuesday 19 May, 9am-12pm – Join us at Lindols Macadamias for a FAN Member Meet Up near Gympie. Hear from the Lindstrom family and connect with members, sharing insights and building relationships. Register here.
SAVE THE DATE!!! MEET THE MAKERS returns on 23 June. Keep an eye out for more soon!
Want to know what Meet the Makers is?
https://foodagribusiness.org.
Love what FAN’s doing to grow our regional food and agribusiness community?
If you know someone who’d enjoy being part of the network too, please forward this email or invite them to subscribe and join us at https://foodagribusiness.org.
Grow National: Workshops
Grow National 2026 – Workshop series – REGISTER NOW!
Ripe & Ready is FAN’s, in-person program designed for established food, beverage, and agribusinesses ready to scale. From streamlining production to preparing for export, this hands-on program gives you access to industry experts, tailored support, and powerful connections to help take your business to the next level.
28 April – Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping food and beverage operations. Participants will learn about AI’s practical applications, innovation opportunities and how tech can support smarter scaling. Register here..
12 May – Explore ESG in food and agribusiness operations. Participants will learn about reporting requirements, carbon measurement and practical governance tools that support responsible growth and meet retailer and consumer expectations. Register here.
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members. For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
Grow National is delivered by the Food & Agribusiness Network in collaboration with industry partners, supporting capability, collaboration and commercial growth across our agrifood community.
Member Opportunities
Two opportunities to keep on your radar from our FAN Connect Member Liaison, Jacki, with EOIs open now and soon.
Big Dry Friday – Big Dry Friday is back! This wonderful opportunity to support our bush mates is also a great one for our makers and growers to connect with our city cousins! Expressions of Interest for stall holder positions are now open – click here to register your EOI now!
Moreton Bay Good Food and Wine Show – A contingent opportunity coming out soon.
Both are great chances to get involved, build your profile, and connect with new audiences. Keep an eye out in your inbox for details and how to apply and bookmark the Member Opportunities page on the FAN website!
word from the organisers of the Mary River Festival. Save the date! The Mary River Festival is on again 11 July 2026. The festival has been running for over 17 years and as always provides a great line up of speakers, music, arts and an array of educational activities to help build the resilience and sustainability of our communities along the Mary River, from the Mountains to the Reef.
Registration for stallholders and food vendors is now open https://www.
Join the Maleny Show Pre-Show Evening – 9 May 2026. FAN members are invited to showcase their products at the Maleny Show Society’s pre-show evening on 9 May. With a fun trivia night and local food tastings, it’s a great chance to connect with the community. For more details and to participate, contact Theresa at 0419 029 385 by 17 April.
GourMay Mary Valley is now calling for stallholders for its 2026 Food Festival Market on Sunday 3 May. This is a great opportunity for local food and beverage businesses to showcase products, connect with customers and be part of a well-supported regional event. Suitable for handmade, locally grown and artisan offerings. Consider applying here if you’re ready to grow your profile.
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer across the Network. Our Member Opportunities page brings together the latest EOIs, programs, events, and ways to get involved – curated especially for FAN members.
Bookmark it and check back regularly to make the most of what’s happening across the network.
Right now, you’ll find opportunities spanning industry awards and nominations, manufacturing and capability programs, grant and funding rounds, procurement and labelling updates, and pathways linked to major events and future supply chains – including Brisbane 2032.
Whether you’re looking to grow, showcase, secure funding or prepare for new market requirements, this page is your go-to hub. Explore the latest here.
Upcoming Grants
This month’s grants roundup includes funding for sustainability, traceability, research commercialisation, drought resilience, and workforce development.
Opportunities are available for producers, manufacturers, researchers, and industry partners at various stages of business and innovation.
FAN Member Resources
Looking for more webinars, tools, templates and tips to support your business journey? FAN Connect and Commercial Members can access the full FAN Resource Centre via our member platform, WAVE.
There is a whole library of practical, industry-ready resources sitting inside WAVE. These resources are created with our community in mind and shaped by the real challenges food and agribusiness owners face each day. They cover everything from investment basics and new product development to factory design, food safety, export readiness, government regulations, promotion, marketing, insurance, and practical support for running and growing a food and agribusiness.
The Resource Centre is updated throughout the year as new programmes and sessions roll out across the regions, giving members a consistently expanding toolkit they can rely on. This level of support is available only through a paid Connect or Commercial membership and is accessed exclusively through WAVE.
Not a Connect Member? Level up here!
Our Supporters
Don’t forget — there’s almost $4,000 worth of exclusive offers waiting for you! Thanks to our incredible FAN Partners and Commercial Members, you can access a wide range of member-only deals designed to support and grow your business. Head to our Member Deals & Offers page to see what’s available to you.