As we step into 2026, the year is already taking shape across the Network, with strong momentum around capability building and practical connections.
We’re kicking things off with Member Meet Ups and Harvest to Hospitality, bringing producers and the region’s chefs and venue operators together to create real pathways from paddock to plate. Alongside this, a new round of Grow National workshops is rolling out, supporting businesses to strengthen systems, build confidence and prepare for growth.
We’re also gearing up for our IGP – Cluster Connect delegation to evokeAG, taking businesses into national conversations and opportunities. Add in member meet-ups across our regions, and it’s shaping up to be a purposeful and well paced start to the year.
This FANmail brings together what’s coming up, how to get involved, and where the opportunities sit.
The FAN Team
Bek, Anna, Jacki, Nicole and Rebecca
Table of Contents
FAN Member Survey
As we head into 2026, we know many businesses across our regions are navigating real pressure, from rising costs and tight margins to workforce and housing challenges. These realities are shaping our priorities for the year ahead.
Thank you to the legends who have already completed the FAN Member Survey. Your insights are helping us understand what is happening on the ground and where support matters most.
If you have not yet had a chance to take part, we would really value your input. The survey takes around eight minutes, is confidential and reported only as grouped data, and helps shape practical programmes, events and advocacy on your behalf.
As a thank you, you can opt in to go into the draw to win a free 12 month Connect or Commercial membership, valued up to $450.
FAN Events
11 March – Connect with fellow FAN members at our first member meet up for 2026 at Curlew Ridge Flower Farm. A relaxed on-farm gathering to share what you do, hear from others and strengthen local connections across the regions. Register here.
25 March – Connect with fellow FAN members at our Member Meet-Up at Seven Hills Estate. An informal opportunity to exchange ideas, learn what others are working on and build relationships in a beautiful regional venue. Register here..
Harvest to Hospitality is back and heading to the Sunshine Coast, and we’re pleased to have chef Matt Golinski on board as our MC and roundtable facilitator.
This curated afternoon is designed to strengthen the connection between local producers and the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors, creating direct pathways for local products to land on menus and into venue purchasing.
Save the date: Monday 23 March | 2.00pm to 5.30pm | Venue: Coolum Beach Bar
The legends at Coolum Beach Bar will also be showcasing our local beer and spirits scene and curating a menu featuring some of the producers taking part in the showcase.
What’s happening?
Chef roundtable: An informal conversation facilitated by Matt Golinski with chefs and venue operators to unpack what gets in the way of buying local, and what practical support would make it easier.
Hospitality showcase: A roaming style showcase featuring producers, meeting chefs, venue operators and tourism businesses face to face. Producers will share samples and stories directly with decision makers, with the aim of sparking genuine conversations that lead to trial orders and new listings.
Who this is for?
– Producers who are hospitality-ready.
– Chefs, venue operators and tourism businesses who want to discover local supply and build relationships with the people behind the product.
Interested in being involved?
If you are a producer and you’d like to be considered for the curated showcase, or if you are a hospitality or tourism operator who would like an invite, please register your interest here.
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: Ripe & Ready
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.
17 February – Led by Mashhuda Carrigan (UQ Skills) covering food preservation, shelf life, spoilage, CCPs and risk management. Build stronger systems, improve compliance and confidence in your production process. Register here.
24 February – Mashhuda Carrigan (UQ Skills) covers sustainable food packaging, MAP, circular design principles and smarter material choices to protect quality, extend shelf life and reduce environmental impact. Register here.
10 March – Nicole Koek (Allergen Bureau) unpacks allergen labelling requirements in plain English, helping food businesses understand their obligations, avoid common mistakes and label products with confidence. Register here.
Grow National Workshop: Legal, Financial & Growth Pathways
31 March – Build the legal, financial and structural foundations your business needs to grow with confidence. This practical half-day workshop brings together experts from Argon Law, and SRJ Walker Wayland to unpack the essentials of business protection, succession planning and investment readiness. Through real examples and guided discussion, you’ll explore how to strengthen your structure, manage risk and prepare for long-term resilience. Register here.
SRJ Walker Wayland and Argon Law are key partners of FAN – your support of both these organisations is greatly appreciated.
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
Member Opportunities
Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society
Where city meets country to spark curiosity, connection, and celebration.
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society (SCASS) was established in 1900 and is dedicated to celebrating our region’s agricultural heritage, community spirit, local produce and talent. The annual event brings together the best of both country and city, featuring agricultural displays, arts and crafts, cookery, equestrian and livestock competitions, nightly entertainment, fireworks, food, shopping, and a diverse range of exhibitors and businesses.
SCASS is now the largest ticketed event on the Sunshine Coast – attracting over 38,000 visitors, 5,500 competitors and over 120 exhibitors in 2025 – and growing fast. In 2026 they expect over 41,000 visitors to the Nambour Showgrounds during 12-14 June 2026.
If you would like to join companies like White’s IGA (Locavores), Heavenly Jerky, Slab Dog, Sunshine & Sons, Schultz’s Finest, Heavenly Hell Hot Sauces and Your Mates Brewing at the show, please check out: trades/exhibitor opportunities.
Top reasons to exhibit at the show:
● Make immediate direct sales over 3 days
● Build brand awareness to a new market
● Get face time with new and existing customers to demonstrate your product/service
Alternatively, if you need a break from the business, head along to the show for some fun, new community or business connections and great entertainment. Visit the Sunshine Coast Show website here for more information.
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer. 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 on our Member Opportunities page, listings include industry awards and EOIs, manufacturing and capability programmes, grant and funding opportunities, procurement and labelling updates, and pathways connected to major events and future supply chains, including Brisbane 2032. Explore the latest here.
Upcoming Grants
This month’s grants roundup includes funding for sustainability, traceability, research commercialisation and drought resilience – plus support for workforce and training, farm upgrades, and financial hardship. Whether you’re a producer, manufacturer, researcher or industry partner, there are opportunities across multiple levels of business and innovation.
Funding opportunities you need to know about – see what’s open and apply now..
FAN Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest insights and practical tools to support your business. Check out our recent webinars featuring industry experts and FAN partners—designed to help you grow, connect, and build a more resilient and inclusive business..
Join FAN partner Presstwood Design for a practical webinar exploring the key considerations for taking your food business online.
This session steps through what eCommerce readiness really looks like for food and beverage businesses, including choosing the right platform across Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace and Webflow. It also covers the importance of integrating POS and inventory systems to support efficient operations as you grow.
You will also gain insight into food specific requirements such as product presentation, shipping and compliance, payment processing, customer experience, and the resourcing and planning needed to implement eCommerce with confidence.
Ideal for food and beverage businesses planning to launch or refine their online sales channels using clear, informed and practical decision making.
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.
Members can revisit recordings from our IGP – Cluster Connect programme, FAN Masterclasses and Business Bites sessions at any time. You will also find presentations, slides, links, and step-by-step guides, along with specialist content from partners across areas such as branding, legal, digital strategy and supply chain efficiencies.
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.
Getting Natural Disaster Ready
With storm season upon us, now’s the time to make sure your business is prepared. Severe weather can disrupt operations, supply chains and staff safety – but planning ahead makes all the difference.
Visit FAN’s Natural Disaster Support page for local resources, continuity planning tools and recovery contacts. You can also explore Get Ready Queensland for practical guidance on preparing your business for extreme weather events.
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.