October 24, 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n The Southern Queensland Country Regional Food Network is seeking local farmers to fulfil the demand for regionally produced food.<\/p>\n Southern Queensland Country Regional Tourism Development Officer Jules McMurtrie said that since opening for membership, the regional food network had been inundated with expressions of interest from local restaurateurs, hospitals, pubs, clubs and caf\u00e9s all wanting to source food from within the region.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a clear message to local farmers that there is a strong commercial demand for regionally produced food,\u201d Ms McMurtrie said.<\/p>\n \u201cIncreasingly, customers want to know the story behind their food, where it comes from and who grew it. <\/p>\n \u201cSavvy businesses are picking up on this shift in thinking, seeking out local food for its freshness, low food miles and longer shelf-life.\u201d <\/p>\n The architect of the regional food system concept, Rose Wright of Knowledge Transfer Services, has invited all farmers to find out more about the opportunities available at shed meetings to be held across the region this month.<\/p>\n \u201cThe regional food system is an opportunity for farmers to take advantage of a growing demand for regional produce,\u201d Ms Wright said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt provides alternative pathways to market, returns a greater share of the value chain between paddock and plate back to the farmer and creates potential for diversification and value adding.\u201d<\/p>\n Farmers interested in learning more about the opportunities presented by the regional food system are invited to attend shed meetings at Warwick, Stanthorpe and Toowoomba on October 30-31.<\/p>\n