The growing importance of food and beverage to the economy was stressed at the release of a regional food handbook recently. The so-called ‘Byron Region’ that the Byron Region Food Handbook refers to is quite a large one including not just Byron Shire but six other shires around it (Ballina, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Tweed, and Richmond) from which 114 agricultural producers and food manufacturers have been selected for the book. Byron Council, however, compiled it, after receiving a grant from the NSW Department of Industry.
Byron mayor Simon Richardson praised the passion and integrity of the Byron Region’s food producers, saying, ‘We love our food and so do our visitors and this new handbook highlights how significant and important our food industry is – it’s an attraction in itself, alongside our beaches, hinterland and events.’
‘It’s a milestone for the region because it really shines a light on the breadth of exciting work going on in the food and beverage industry across the whole of the northern rivers.
‘From our famous macadamias to honey, bread, bush foods, avocados, oils, muesli, beer, wine, sugar, tea, coffee and a whole range of truly unique food products, the creativity and innovation coming out of this industry is truly awesome.
‘Whether you’re a cottage-industry startup or an iconic Australian brand, food and beverage businesses make a significant contribution to local jobs and economic development in the region and this is something we are hugely supportive of,’ Mayor Richardson said.
Electronic copies of the book are available from the Byron Shire Council website www.byron.nsw.gov.au/byron-regional-food-advantage-project.
For more information about either the videos or the handbook, contact Tania Crosbie, Economy and Sustainability Coordinator, on 6626 7000 or [email protected].
Attendees displaying an interest in Husk Distillers of Tumbulgum
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