As we roll-out FAN’s new operating model with a focus on deeper engagement in our regions, we’re seeing some exciting locally-driven activities starting to take shape.
This month our members, working with FAN Member Coordinators took part in a producer showcase and markets in Moreton Bay; regional direction planning session in Gympie; and discussions around a distillers’ working group on the Sunshine Coast. We’re excited to see our regional cluster model evolve and our members come together to drive new collaborative initiatives and activities.
With many new members coming on board, we welcome exisiting members to come along to an upcoming member meet up – its a great opportunity to make some new connections.
We’re also continuing to roll out programs and projects for our members and we encourage you to check out the Business Bites session, AgTech Uptake Program and Brewers & Distillers Masterclasses (see details below).
Yours in collaboration,
Emma Greenhatch
Table of Contents
FAN News
We’re pleased to introduce FAN Business Bites – a monthly online member to member session crafted by food industry specialists with presentations from leading experts and FAN members. These monthly session cover important topics specific to running a successful food and beverage business.
In August’s session – we were joined by Michelle Boutin from Food Envy Labelling for this month’s topic LABELLING. VIEW THE SESSION HERE.
REGISTER HERE for September’s session on LICENCING – presented by Paul Perrior from Food Agent Australia.
REGISTER HERE for October’s session on FOOD SAFETY – presented by Kim Jorgensen Food Technologist.
These sessions are open to FAN Members only.
Missed the recent Brewers and Distillers Masterclasses – you can view the sessions and slides online. These highly valuable sessions covered topics including market opportunity identification; on and off-premise trends; category drivers; retailer requirements; margin enhancers; promotions and marketing and much more. Thanks to our valued market development partners Shopability and Export Connect for these sessions, which were supported by the Queensland Government.
National Market Session VIEW HERE
Export Market Session VIEW HERE
Upcoming Events
Feedback, input and tips welcome!
Got suggestions, input, tips on what you’d like in FANMail – email us.
Member Opportunities/Resources
Thursday 2 September – DAF Agritourism Workshop
The Queensland Government is encouraging people with small to medium-sized farming businesses interested in agritourism to attend an agritourism development workshop. In the facilitated one-day workshop you’ll share and explore ideas, identify opportunities and barriers, and gain an understanding of your regulatory obligations. To find out more, visit the workshop website, where you can take a two-minute self-assessment survey to make sure you’re workshop ready.
Thursday 2 September – FIAL Food Waste Webinar
The results of the National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study are in and yes, it is feasible to halve Australia’s food waste by 2030, but it will require unprecedented action by governments, industry and the community. Join the FIAL team along with representatives from Edge Environment, Fight Food Waste CRC, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Woolworths Group, as they present the results of the Feasibility Study and outline how everyone in the food supply chain can contribute to recovering food and reducing waste.
Tuesday 7 September – 9.30am
Growing the agricultural workforce planning industry consultation
Agribusinesses and farmers are invited to participate in regional consultations across Queensland where QFF will be asking farmers and agribusinesses about industry workforce issues. The consultations will inform the Queensland Agriculture Industry Workforce Plan, which will chart a five-year response to the challenges raised by the industry.
REGISTER HERE
Friday 17 September – Resilient Regions Conference
Farmers for Climate Action are delighted to be hosting the Resilient Regions Conference in Esk on the 17th September. With an amazing program of speakers covering a diverse array of topics this is a not to be missed opportunity for farmers and anyone with an interest in agriculture, rural communities and food systems across South East Queensland. Find out more and REGISTER HERE.
Wednesday 23 September
Expanding your business: IP Law and Trade Mark workshop series 2021
Back due to popular demand, the IP Law and Trade Mark workshop series, hosted by the Sunshine Coast Council, will be held over four months commencing 23 September 2021. Mark Metzeling from Macpherson Kelley will facilitate the workshops and provide information and skills to implement into your business. REGISTER HERE.
Artisan Bend Information session
Invitation for FAN Members: In September, the team from Cheese Therapy will launch Artisans Bend. Artisans Bend will be Australia’s #1 destination for artisan produce. Consider it the “Etsy of Food” just more curated. Missed the recent online session – contact the team for more details on how your product can be listed on this exciting platform.
Noosa Business Support Panel – Open now
Running a business can be challenging at times. As you experience growth, new challenges arise and often it’s having access to specialist support when you most need it that can make all the difference. The Business Support Panel is an initiative of Noosa Council’s Economic Development team in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Noosa business owners and operators can access free personalised support from the Business Support Panel. Noosa Council will subsidise up to 2 hours of support from an approved Panelist. FIND OUT MORE HERE
Science Innovation Awards
Applications are now open for the 2022 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry! This competitive annual grants program supports young Australians aged 18-35 by funding projects that will benefit Australia’s primary industries. In partnership with Australia’s leading research and development corporations and industry associations, there are 12 industry categories each worth up to $22,000 (inc GST). READ MORE HERE.
For update to date details of opportunities available for FAN Members
VISIT FANConnect
Member News
FABLE Foods Grill’d Collab and venture funds announcement
Big, big news coming from Michael and the team at Fable Foods. This month the team shared news of a collab with Heston Blumenthal and Grill’d, as well as a significant investment fund announcement. We can’t wait to see what’s next for the team.
Caboolture Sports Club – August Producer Showcase
A big congrats to James and the team from Caboolture Sports Club – who this month ran a series of highly successful producer showcase events. In August over 100 key stakeholders and VIPs were treated to a special breakfast showcasing Moreton Bay producers and FAN Members. The breakfast was followed by the groups first Meet Me at the Bay Markets – where 15 FAN Members showcased their products / produce to eager patrons of the venue. Following the market’s success, CSC plan to run another seasonal market in November. Stay tuned for details!
Amrita Park Meadery EKKA awards
Congrats to Andy & Nicola from Amrita Park Meadery who have been awarded a few medals at The Ekka 2021 Mead competition, including Champion Mead (again!). It’s also been a big year for the duo with Andy heading up Mead Australia – which has become an official Incorporated Association. FAN has been proud to provide input and support to this association and we look forward to hearing more about its development. READ MORE HERE.
Italia Pizza and Pasta Sustainability nomination
Congrats to Tamara and the team at Italia Pizza and Pasta – nominated as a finalist in the Sustainability category of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network. On the surface, it might seem that ordering takeaway pizza and pasta is less than ideal environmentally – but the team have put in place an amazing array of initiatives to minimise their carbon footprint and environmental impact. READ ABOUT IT HERE.
Send us your news to share with our FAN community.
New Members
Our Partners
Special thanks to FAN’s Partners and Sponsors who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth and resilience of our regions’ food and agribusiness industry.
