Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West is calling on all local producers and farmers from around Molong and the Cabonne Shire region as well as the Blayney Shire region to attend a couple of important ‘Farm to Organisation’ (Farm to Org.) community information sessions on Thursday, 26 March at the Cabonne Council Chambers in Molong and at Blayney Shire Community Centre on Thursday, 2 April.
‘Farm to Organisation’ is an initiative of RDA Central West and is delivered thanks to the support of Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations, which aims to deliver more local produce directly to local Central West ‘organisations’ such as schools, restaurants and health facilities. Ultimately, the objective of this venture is to deliver economic benefits to our region’s producers but also to our communities with the health advantages created from consuming fresh food direct from the farm.
The project is progressing to the next stage of meeting with local producers and community to discuss how we might be able to work together to make it a working reality. RDA Central West is delighted to be partnering with both the Cabonne Shire Council and the Blayney Shire Council to run these vital information sessions to engage their local communities.
Farm to Org. intends to open up new pathways for Central West producers and farmers to market directly to local organisations and institutions. The ultimate outcome of this project will be for local organisations and institutions, such as: schools, hospitals, universities, aged care homes, disability providers as well as local supermarkets, clubs, restaurants and cafes to buy more of their food and food products from within the Central West NSW region.
The information sessions are free but registration is essential. Please click through to book your place, below:
One of Farm to Org.’s local ambassadors, Sophie Jones, co-owner of family business Hillside Harvest in Borenore and also a local part-time school teacher explains,
“We live in one of NSW’s most abundant food bowls, so it makes sense on all fronts that our farmers supply locally grown, fresh, nutritious produce to our region’s organisations as well as learning and aged care facilities. I know there’s some logistics to overcome but let’s make it happen! The Farm to Org. project seems like the Central West’s opportunity to create a win/win outcome for us all, if you ask me.”
RDA Central West’s, CEO, Sam Harma adds,
“The ambition of ‘Farm to Org.’ is bold, but the principle at its core is simple. More of our top, local produce being sourced directly into local organisations and institutions.
“We encourage you to join us on a new Central West food movement that aims to inspire change in the way we procure, deliver and consume food.”
The Molong and Cabonne Shire ‘Farm to Org.’ Info session:
· Thursday, 26 March, 4.30-6pm.
· At Cabonne Shire Council Chambers, 101 Bank Street, Molong.
· Light refreshments will be served and the event will finish by 6pm.
· Any interested community members are welcome to attend.
· The event will be of particular interest to local producers and farmers and also to local organisations who procure food.
· The Information Session is free but bookings are essential. Book your spot via Eventbrite, here.
Blayney Shire ‘Farm to Org.’ Farm to Org. Info Session:
· Thursday, 2 April, 9-10.30am
· At Blayney Shire Council, 41 Church Street, Blayney
· Morning Tea will be served.
· Any interested community members are welcome to attend.
· The event will be of particular interest to local producers and farmers and also to local organisations who procure food.
· The Information Session is free but bookings are essential.
· Book your place via Eventbrite, here.
Hashtags: #rdacentralwest #farm2org #f2o
The ‘Farm to Org.’ Project is made possible thanks to funding partner Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations –
Growing the Central West’s regional food economy together.
Charles Sturt University is Farm to Org.’s valued research partner.