Published since 1986
DECEMBER, 2020
www.farmernews.com.au
EVERYTHING IS ROSEY Exciting opportunities for students
DURING harvest season, Samaria Farm’s Vicki Wight rises at dawn to begin picking. With backpackers like Rebecka Stjernkuist providing assistance, Vicki doesn’t really consider the task work, surrounded by the glorious scent of freshly opened rose buds. Due to the limited 30 day flowering season, the remainder of the year is dedicated to pruning, hand weeding and tending the bushes to strict organic principles. The resulting oil and rosewater distilled from the farm’s Damask roses is of such purity, that Samaria Farm now exports to Japan where there is a strong appreciation for the product. Turn to page 2 for story.
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Q fever vaccine production here PAGE 18
Fire awareness PAGE 20
Producers embrace Victorian Country Market By EMMA OLIVER OFFERING some of the best Victoria has to offer, e-commerce site Victorian Country Market (VCM) promotes an extensive selection of fresh produce and artisan products from across the state. Set up in a market place format, consumers are able to purchase from a variety of stalls and have the produce delivered as one order.
Initially launched by the State Government during the first lockdown, the initiative was created quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and though slow to take on, once the platform partnered with Click for Vic, community support and awareness increased exponentially. One of numerous initiatives set up this year to provide a platform for Victorian regional producers to market and sell their products in
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an online environment, Victorian Country Market is one of the bigger sites showcasing 12 regions via more than 600 virtual market stalls. From Buxton all the way up to Wahgunyah and Rutherglen, and across to Tallangatta and Cudgewa, the High Country represents the largest region for market stalls on the platform, promoting over 83 individual enterprises for this region alone. A number that is indicative of the vibrant and prosperous
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agricultural and artisanal community of the North East, with participating business owners providing positive feedback regarding the initiative, with increased cash sales not necessarily the driving incentive. With delivery free for all Victorian residents, there is a flat $9.95 delivery rate for the rest of Australia widening exposure for all the producers. The site under the over-riding banner of the Visit Victoria
campaign, has also served to promote each region creating further opportunities for agritourism and inspiring statewide travel with restrictions lifting. Strathbogie Flavours is a mixed farming business, with an emphasis on high quality, environmentally friendly production across their entire range, from their Wild Blackberry Leaf Tea to their organic extra virgin olive oil and table olives. ■ Continued page 4
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