Farming Together has helped a small northern NSW farming community develop a new identity and a new marketing energy.
A group of 11 local farmers of the Burringbar region was led by dairy farmer Suzanne Harnett who has successfully launched her Tweed Valley Whey farmhouse dairy products. The group felt that their produce was being overlooked by the fame of the nearby Byron Bay region.
Among the group were fruit and vegetable farmers, butchers, a rainforest nursery, bush food growers and beef producers. The farmers have received assistance through the Expert Support component of the Australian Government’s Farming Together program.
Marketing assistance provided by Farming Together saw consultant Tina Kelly help the group devise a logo highlighting Burringbar Catchment Area produce. That logo is now being used on stickers and on A-frame signs at local farmers markets and within the three catchment villages of Burringbar, Crabbes Creek and Mooball.
Suzanne said: “The logo is a hit. It is to be found adorning local honey, fruits and vegetables, cheeses and locally grown beef. Also, the A-frame signs provide a strong reference for locals and tourists to identify where to buy locally produced goods.”
She added: “Farming Together offered a lot of valuable advice – not only strategically, but practically. The consultant helped us draw up a feasibility plan which made everyone feel included. That plan has proven a valuable tool in explaining and educating more local producers on the long-term possibilities of this initiative.”
Farming Together program director Lorraine Gordon said: “This project is farmer-driven. We are pleased to support these initiatives by offering experts able to give practical advice with tangible results.”
Pictured: Tina Kelly (left) and Suzanne Harnett.