Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News

Food and beverage producers from across the region will be meeting to discuss the impacts of drought and climate change to help bolster their preparedness for such events. 

The Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster, established in December 2021, will run a series of webinars and networking events to help foster a better understanding of the risks posed by drought and varying climates.

Cluster chair Danielle England said the project would equip local businesses with the necessary skills to respond to such hard times.

“The food entrepreneurial climate on the Limestone Coast is in a really exciting phase with a range of new and emerging food and agribusinesses,” Ms England said. “We are looking forward to supporting them – along with those who have decades of experience – in adopting innovative approaches including drought and climate-proofing strategies.”

The initiative has been made possible by a $24,450 grant, which the Cluster received through the Federal Government Future Drought Fund – Networks to Build Drought Resilience program.

Ms England said businesses would emerge better positioned to handle the “ebbs and flows” which can linger after drought.

The informational webinars and networking sessions will be held over the next six months and open to all interested businesses.

The Cluster was formed to promote the region and its food producers, increase the value of food production, and collaborate to overcome challenges for local businesses.

“The Limestone Coast is South Australia’s most diverse food and beverage producing region, the only region in South Australia that grows and processes meat (beef and lamb), dairy, horticulture and grapes within the region.”

Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster CEO Toni Duka said the event series would facilitate professional and social connections within the agrifood industry, and encourage innovation.

“There is such an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience in this region, and we want to provide a platform for that to be shared amongst small food, beverage and agribusiness producers,” Ms Duka said.

“These industry sectors are so critical to the Limestone Coast and our regional economy.

 “The Cluster is looking forward to bringing industry people together to network, collaborate and learn from other leading producers, makers and growers.”

More information on the event dates will be made available over the next few weeks. 

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.