QUEENSLAND Country Life’s agenda setting Food Heroes event at Gatton is shaping up as a gold mine of information and inspiration with Anthony and Diane Staatz set to share the story of their family owned business, Koala Farms.
To be held on Wednesday, April 12, the day includes a farm walk and forum, showcasing the Gatton operation and enabling visitors on the day to better understand the journey of food from the farm gate to the dinner plate.
The day will also feature notable guest speakers including Growcom chief executive officer Pat Hannan, Tim O’Grady from Bayer, and Fresh Select marketing expert John Said.
Koala farms is the third of Queensland Country Life’s seven scheduled Food Heroes events which run through to August. The agricultural media specialist is exploring the strategic links in the food supply chain and seeking to better understand the journey of food from farm gate to dinner plate.
Queensland Life Country general manager John Warlters said the Gatton Food Heroes would show not just what was involved in growing the best quality produce, but also provide insights into what was required to get that produce to the consumer.
“The Koala Farms event at Gatton is of particular interest because it will provide a terrific insight into how a farming business is able to meet the demands of a highly sophisticated, fast moving supply chain management system and ultimately connect with the consumer,” Mr Warlters said. “Like all of the Food heroes events it is helping producers understand the consumer driven world in which we operate, and how producers are matching their operations and skills to meet consumer needs.”
In addition to Anthony Staatz telling the story of the Koala Farms operation during the farm walk, Growcom chief executive officer Pat Hannan will set the scene discussing horticulture’s challenges and opportunities.
Tim O'Grady from Bayer will consider what innovation in horticulture looks like. John Said from Fresh Select will discuss what consumers want from their produce and how Koala Farms’ produce - lettuce, twin pack baby cos, midi cos and broccoli – are delivered into the chain stores and wholesale markets.
The presentations by the guest speakers will be followed by an information Q&A session involving the audience.
The forum will be live-streamed on the website: queenslandcountrylife.com.au
Queensland Country Life’s next Food Heroes event will be hosted by leading South East Queensland dairy farmers, the Platell family at Beaudesert. RSVP for that event is by May 1 on email: foodheroes@fairfaxmedia.com.au
