Come Spring, travellers seeking a taste of the good life will have the opportunity to meet genuine down-to-earth farmers of the Southern Forests whilst walking amongst fruit orchards, hunting for truffles under towering oak and hazelnut trees, sharing pastures with some of the happiest chooks in the Southern Forests and best of all, tasting genuine fresh, local, seasonal Southern Forests produce.

Developed by the Southern Forests Food Council the Genuinely Extraordinary Southern Forests Food & Farm Experience tours are a partnership and community based collaboration comprising of market ready operators across the tourism, hospitality, agricultural, horticultural and aquaculture industries throughout the Southern Forests region.

With recent figures released by Tourism WA demonstrating that Western Australia is enjoying an increase of 9 per cent in overseas visitation and increased spend to $2.4 billion while holidaying; the tours are aimed at providing a genuine, down-to-earth offering to the emerging, mature and developing culinary tourism seekers.

Executive Chairman of the Southern Forests Food Council Bevan Eatts believes the strength of the Genuinely Extraordinary Southern Forests Food & Farm Experience offering lies in the diversity of the itinerary, coupled with access to producers that ordinarily would not be possible, with some stops getting beyond farm gates generally not open to the public.

“We have worked very closely with our members in creating a schedule that works around working farms, processing facilities, accommodation and dining providers, our local farmer's market weekends and produce seasonality and availability. Our capacity to be adaptable, update the tours to reflect seasonal activity on farms and have new members volunteer to come on board the itinerary will keep each tour genuine, unique and extremely enjoyable for all taking part.”

The Genuinely Extraordinary Southern Forests Food & Farm Experience is a 3 day, 4 night all-inclusive tour with motel accommodation, transport in the region, and local representatives to help you enjoy your own genuine taste experience. The tours will run monthly, across the first weekend of the month commencing Friday 1 September 2017 and is limited to 24 places.

For further information or to make a booking visit www.southernforestsfood.com.

-ENDS- 

For further information contact:

Bevan Eatts - SFFC Executive Chairman +61 (0) 419 811 823 or email bevan@southernforestsfood.com
Melissa Worthington – Cork and Cheese +61 (0) 418 90 2121 or email melissa@corkandcheese.com.au

Notes for editors:
Tour highlights include:

 Experience the wide-open spaces, fresh air and stunning scenery of the Southern Forests.

 Orchard walks amongst the fruit trees.

 Sunset wine and food experience.

 See, taste, smell and experience a truffle hunt with truffle dogs amongst the oak and hazelnut trees.

 Behind the scenes tours of the regions state-of-the-art packhouses and processing facilities – learn how your food is grown, picked and packed for your consumption.

 Get up and close and personal with some of the happiest chickens in the Southern Forests.

 Wander under the towering canopies of jarrah and karri trees in the natural settings of the Southern Forests.

 Enjoy locally prepared meals showcasing fresh seasonal Southern Forests produce.

 Meet genuine down-to-earth farmers and locals of the Southern Forests.

 Shop like a local and explore our regions streets and businesses, using vouchers to find your own genuine taste experience to take home with you.

The Southern Forests region shares the same boundaries as the Shire of Manjimup in Western Australia and includes the major towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole.

The 4 major towns are different but complimentary:

• Manjimup – Heart of food production in the region

• Pemberton – Reputation as boutique tourism & food destination

• Northcliffe – Un-tapped creative industry/community

• Walpole – Abundance of natural attractions and amenity

- 300 kilometres or 3 hours south of Perth

- Amazing forests and pristine growing conditions

- 86% of the Shire of Manjimup is State Forest or conservation reserve

Produces

- 50% of Western Australia's Apple production

- 70% of Australia's Avocado production (Oct to mid Feb)

- 90% of Western Australia's Broccoli production (mid Dec to mid-May)

- Most of Western Australia's Marron production

- 90% of Western Australia's Potato production (Jan to March) 40 % all year round

- 100% of Tamarillo supply to Australia's large supermarket chains

- The region has 80,000 hectares of Agricultural land

- Currently 8,000 hectares planted for crops

- Over 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables

- Fruit and Vegetables fastest growing crops

- Renowned for the Black Truffle

- Home of the internationally famous Pink Lady apple

- Southern Forests region is the major agricultural producer in the South West region of Western Australia representing 20% of the agricultural value

- Gross agricultural value of $127M PA

- 25% of population involved in agriculture, forestry and fishing

- 118,795 head of livestock per annum (Figures at November 2013)

Role of the Southern Forests Food Council

The Southern Forests Food Council Inc. was established in September 2012 to represent the interests of local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators and to foster the Southern Forests status as one of the nation's key future food bowls and culinary tourism regions. The Food Council plays a critical role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create jobs, promote regional pride and ultimately achieve recognition as a highly regarded culinary tourism destination.

SFFC Vision

“Build the region's reputation for quality food.”

SFFC Objectives

1. Grow the value of agriculture and food production, create careers and encourage growth of local populations.

2. Establish and maintain unifying regional brand(s).

3. Strive to achieve price premiums for produce from the region.

4. Achieve consumer recognition of the region as a desirable culinary and tourism destination and an ethical producer of quality food.

5. Sustain the effort through on-going viability of the Food Council.

A Committee of Management, together with Southern Forest Food Council staff, bring the region's world-class and varied produce to domestic and overseas markets; and play an integral role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create sustainable employment and promote regional pride.