PADDOCK to Plate experiences have already begun to tickle tastebuds, with visitors flocking to the Scenic Rim to try local produce and learning about working farms at various Eat Local Week preview events.
Guests gathered at Darlington to experience a long table lunch by Wild Canary at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm on the weekend in the lead up to celebrating Eat Local Week from June 30 to July 8.
Other preview events to come include jamming with the lambs at Towri Sheep Cheeses, Green Lane Coffee Plantation producers’ dinner and meet the Eat Local Book authors producers’ dinner at Cedar Creek Lodges.
There is something to suit food lovers of all ages and budgets in June and July from visiting dairy farms, taking a sheep’s cheesemaking class to sipping on award-winning wines.
More than 35 events are free or cost less than $25.
Scenic Rim dairy farmer and former Sheldon resident Kay Tommerup said guests at the long table lunch enjoyed the country atmosphere on the family’s property.
“Everyone was eager to not only try the food but to also learn how we run our farm,” she said.
“For us, events like this are always about connecting city and country, supporting other producers in the region and reestablishing an awareness of agriculture.”
There were inspiring speeches at the function from Jane O’Reilly, Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen and Dave Tommerup’s auntie Carmell Rowell about sharing the passion for food and those who work to produce it.
Ms Rowell travelled from Atherton Tablelands at Carins to the farm she used to call home for the occasion to speak of the changes she had seen on the property at Darlington.
Ms Tommerup said she felt the lunch left a positive mark on guests who left with more of an appreciation for their lifestyle and locally grown food.
“After the lunch, we sold our veal, pork and cheese. Troy and Vicki Muller from Peak Veggie Patch had their tomatoes there and Theresa and Andy Scholl from Valley Pride Produce had their greens and beetroot,” she said.
“(The Scholls) actually sold out by the end of the day.
“People really wanted to grab the food they tried on the day and I think Wild Canary had a lot to do with this.
“The way they showcased local producers and our food was great and they are huge advocates for Scenic Rim food and paying fair prices for the produce you buy.”
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
