August 12, 2021
AgForce general president Georgie Somerset says the decision to cancel the 2021 Ekka had been “utterly heartbreaking” for thousands of Queensland producers.
Mrs Somerset said producers had been “champing at the bit” to showcase their high-quality livestock and produce after a two-year absence.
“Many have spent months preparing to exhibit livestock and produce, and were looking forward to educating the wider public about Queensland’s agriculture sector,” she said.
“The magic of Ekka is that for 10 days once a year it brings agriculture directly to consumers, allowing industry to celebrate and champion the essential role it plays in all our lives.
“With it missing, many are feeling the pain and disappointment of once again losing the chance to forge these vital connections.
“Primary producers are, however, a resilient bunch. Contingency plans are in place for several Ekka events to be held outside south-east Queensland, while others are set to be live streamed online.
“Hopefully running these events will result in an accolade for a producer that will help them sell their produce even without the buyer or the public being physically present.
“AgForce is also working behind the scenes with other industry organisations and government to ensure this year’s National Ag Day in November is the biggest and best showcase for agricultural we can produce.
“And we’ll continue doing all we can to connect people from the city with those of us from rural and regional locations via our own series of online and face-to-face activities, forums, and educational sessions, whenever and however COVID allows us to.”
[UPDATED with correction]
