Hi everyone, we hope you are having fabulous weeks.
We understand there is a lot moving across our regions right now.
New partnerships. Regulatory shifts. Funding rounds. Capability programmes. Major supply chain conversations gathering pace toward Brisbane 2032.
At the same time, we know many businesses are operating under real pressure – tight margins, rising costs, workforce challenges and increasing compliance demands. That reality isn’t lost on us.
This edition of FANmail is about momentum and practical action.
You’ll find new Member Meet-Ups, the 2026 Grow National workshop series, fresh funding opportunities, and pathways to strengthen your business foundations – legally, commercially and strategically.
As always, FAN exists to connect, build capability and advocate for a stronger, more resilient food and agribusiness ecosystem across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie and beyond!
It’s a slightly longer FANmail – make sure to ‘View Entire Message’ at the bottom.
Let’s get into it.
The FAN Team
Bek, Anna, Jacki, Nicole and Rebecca
Table of Contents
FAN Partnerships
FAN is proud to have recently formalised a partnership with Gympie Council, strengthening our shared commitment to supporting local producers, agribusinesses and food entrepreneurs across the region.
Gympie plays a vital role in the broader South East Queensland food ecosystem, with a rich agricultural heritage and a growing community of innovative food and value-added producers. Through this partnership, FAN and Gympie Council will work collaboratively to enhance industry capability, facilitate meaningful connections, and unlock new opportunities for trade, visibility and growth.
By aligning local government leadership with FAN’s industry-led network, we are creating stronger pathways for businesses to access programs, events and strategic initiatives that drive resilience and innovation across the value chain.
Although we are starting small in this first year, together we look forward to championing Gympie’s producers and contributing to a more connected, collaborative and thriving regional food and agribusiness community. We’d like to thank Andrew Quain and his hard work in helping us to get this partnership across the line.Â
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 at EvokeAG
evokeAG 2026 – Energy, Innovation and National Momentum
What a massive three days at AgriFutures evokeAG.
From early-morning coffees to late-night conversations, evokeAG 2026 delivered new energy, powerful insights and real commercial opportunity for our Cluster Connect delegation.
For the FAN team, being able to showcase our businesses, facilitate meaningful introductions and champion our delegation on a national stage was an absolute highlight. Watching connections turn into conversations – and conversations into potential collaborations – is exactly why we do this work.
evokeAG is more than a conference. It is a valuable touchpoint with the national ecosystem of R&D leaders, government agencies, investors and supporters driving the future of agrifood innovation in Australia.
Our Cluster Connect delegation represented the depth and diversity of innovation across the agrifood sector – from methane-reducing livestock solutions and AI-powered yield forecasting to cultivated meat, waste-to-value systems, bee health technology and precision livestock monitoring.
As the lead partner of Cluster Connect – the Industry Partner Organisation for the Industry Growth Program through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources – FAN is proud to be part of a national conversation about what’s next for Australian agrifood innovation.
The momentum is real. The opportunities are growing. And our regions are right in the mix.
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.Â
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 brings local producers together with chefs, venue operators and tourism businesses ready to strengthen local supply.
We’re pleased to have renowned chef Matt Golinski on board as our MC and roundtable facilitator, guiding an open conversation about what genuinely helps local products land on menus.
This curated afternoon is designed to link producers and hospitality buyers/chefs – with real conversations, practical insights and the opportunity to build relationships that lead to trial orders and new listings.
The legends at Coolum Beach Bar will showcase our local beer and spirits scene and curate a menu featuring participating producers. A line-up of hospitality ready producers will also share their fare with attendees.Â
Monday 23 March | 2.00pm – 5.30pm | Coolum Beach BarÂ
Are you a chef, venue operator or tourism business? Please register to attend here.Â
Three More Member Meet-Ups Coming Soon
We’ve got three more FAN Member Meet-Ups in the works across our regions – details will be released shortly!
These peer-focused gatherings are designed to strengthen connections, spark conversations and keep our community engaged.
Want to be the first to know when tickets go live? Follow FAN on Humanitix 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!Â
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.
If you’re juggling production, compliance and sales – and wondering how to make the numbers truly stack up – this practical half-day workshop is for you.
Designed for early-stage and scaling food and beverage businesses, Seed to Sprout – Fundamentals focuses on the real commercial and operational foundations of a viable food business. Across the morning, you’ll unpack true production costs, margin pressures, pricing confidence, and the balance between hands-on making and strategic decision-making.
Using real-world examples and FAN’s fictional FAN Kitchen case study, complex concepts are translated into clear, practical tools you can apply straight away.
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026 | Time: 9am-12.30pm | Location: Collider, University of the Sunshine Coast | 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.Â
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
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
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, 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.
This edition of FANmail we’d like to encourage members to take a few minutes to contribute to the Queensland Food Safety Act review. This is a valuable opportunity to ensure the realities of food production and processing are reflected in future regulation. Your input can help shape a more practical framework for our sector.
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
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.
Not a Connect Member? Level up here!
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.