A NEW chapter in the Nambucca Valley’s agricultural story began last Friday, with more than 30 local growers, producers and supporters gathering at the Macksville RSL to launch the Nambucca Valley Growers and Producers Association (NVGPA).
The initiative is being driven by two local producers, flower farmer Ainslee Ashton and bushfood and cattle farmer Ljubov Simson.
Ashton is also the Nambucca Valley Landcare coordinator and Simson is a Nambucca Valley councillor.
The NVGPA aims to address the gap and opportunity identified in supporting and advocating for local growers and producers.
This includes small-scale and hobby farmers who have the potential to contribute to local food systems, biodiversity and sustainability.
“The new association aims to give a voice to the region’s growers and producers while also building resilience, networks, and sustainability across the Valley,” said Cr Simson.
“Local growers and producers are the backbone of our community.
“We have an opportunity to be part of Australia’s buy-local revolution while supporting our local food security through stewardship.
“The NVGPA is about creating the network and the support structure to make that happen,” she said.
Ms Ashton explained that Nambucca Valley Landcare has a long history of supporting local farmers.
“The NVGPA is vital to further building the connections across the farming community,” she said.
“This will help to increase community resilience during hard times and have a more secure local food network.”
Feedback and ideas from the room highlighted both enthusiasm and urgency amongst attendees.
For many, an holistic approach was key with strong support for encouraging stewardship practices that protect land, water resources and environmental safety while also promoting universal well-being across the Valley’s farming communities.
Proposals for a coordinated marketing strategy to promote the Nambucca Valley’s natural assets and produce as an agritourism destination received strong support as did the suggestion for a ‘Nambucca, Naturally’ brand.
Cr Simson said that members can expect opportunities to collaborate with like-minded growers, access local hubs, and work collectively toward creating such a vision.
“Most importantly, membership fees are designed to be low-cost and inclusive and all members will have voting rights.”
Local grower Lawrence Proctor, whose family has farmed bananas for four generations, also produces beef and cattle, but said he still works in retail to ensure income stability.
“You need to have livestock or the land just goes back to bush,” he said, citing a common practice among small producers to capture viability.
“This association is about representation. A local government decision impacting us was recently overturned at the state level – our voices weren’t heard.
“If we’re unified, we can set up local hubs, market our produce together, and work toward building the Valley as a recognised food and agritourism region.”
Also among the attendees was well-known actor Rachel Ward, who with husband Bryan Brown has long operated a cattle farm near Macksville, lending star power to the grassroots effort.
Interested growers, producers and supporters are encouraged to contact Cr Simson to get involved and help shape its future.
Email nvgrowersproducersassociation@gmail.com or phone 0410 620 093.
The next workshop is scheduled for 5pm to 7pm on Friday 11 July at Macksville Ex-Services Club.
By Leigh WATSON
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