Recognising the importance of the Northern Rivers as a food bowl with its diversity of climate and opportunities was one of the key highlights at yesterday’s opening of the Norco PRIMEX sustainable farming and primary industries expo in Casino yesterday.
‘We have beaten the odds,’ said Norco PRIMEX Director Bruce Wright.
‘It was so important to restart the momentum post-Covid, not just for the event, but for the thousands of businesses, primary producers and members of the general public who are part of PRIMEX.
‘To see so many people here today… to see the arena so vibrant again, is just fantastic, but also a major relief.’
Like almost every event in 2020, PRIMEX was put on hold – the first time since 1985, that the primary industries expo had not gone ahead.
Paddock To Plate
As the region continues to develop the importance of food supply, farming and agriculture is being highlighted.
‘I am still discovering farmers, producers, distillers, brewers. And festivals like this are a testament to how well these people are now working together,’ said local celebrity chef and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, Byron Bay, Darren Robertson who was doing cooking demonstrations in front of a packed Southern Food Court on Thursday.
The Paddock To Plate presentation is again one of the most popular arenas at PRIMEX.
‘This is a part of PIMEX we have really focused on,’ said Wright.
‘And it has paid off. You have a selection of produce from one of the world’s best food bowls being presented to an extremely enthusiastic crowd.
‘Overall PRIMEX will result in about $50million in sales and an injection of about $5million into the local economy through accommodation, meals and the like.’
The event continues today and Saturday 9am till 4pm and is proving it value in bringing together a wide range of exhibitors and industry players with over 300 exhibitors from earth moving equipment and outdoor equipment to the paddock to plate demonstrations.
Tickets are available until May 16 at Primex.
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