Slow Food Noosa supports local producers through new funding program
The Slow Food movement originated in Italy in 1989 as a response to the growth of fast food and other changes in the food system worldwide. Today Slow Food groups and supporters can be found across 150 countries around the world, who are linking the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment. Celebrating and instilling the philosophy of Good, Clean, and Fair food for all.
Locally, Slow Food Noosa Inc., supports growers and food artisans through promotional events and community programs. All events embrace not only the Slow Food way but also raise much-needed funds to support our community. These funds assist projects and people who are making a positive difference in the community and promoting the Slow Food philosophy.
In 2021, Slow Food Noosa partnered with a Noosa based philanthropic foundation, Noosa and District Landcare, and Tarwyn Park Training to start the Regenerative Farming and Native Vegetation Enhancement Funding Program to support local Slow Food Snail of Approval Recipient producers and help towards a more resilient and thriving local food system for the future.
Inspired by the recent COP26 Glasgow summit on climate change and the inspiring speech given by naturalist David Attenborough, the Slow Food Noosa team saw opportunity in the Noosa and surrounding regions to help local producers in their endeavor to regenerate their land and strengthen their farm businesses.
The Regenerative Farming and Native Vegetation Enhancement Funding Program seeks to assist local producers in undertaking specific projects that support farm natural assets e.g., waterways and native vegetation, and farm productivity and sustainability. Last year was the first year of the program and saw four local Slow Food Snail of Approval Recipient producers receive $5,000.00 each to go towards projects on their land. These producers included, Eastwell Farms, Kin Kin; K2 Beef, Kandanga; CC’s Kitchen, Woolooga; and Bunya Grove Farm, Amamoor. The funds supported revegetation works, targeted weed control, the purchase of farm equipment to apply soil preparations and farm planning consultation.
The 2023 round of funds is now available to Slow Food Noosa Snail of Approval producers. Local producers can access up to $7,500.00 to go towards a project that aligns with the grant objectives and guidelines. An information session will be held at the Noosa Landcare, Rural Futures Centre in Pomona on the 13th of February from 6PM.
The evening will provide information on how producers can get involved in the program, elidable projects and application process and tips. A little inspiration will be followed with presentations from previous grant participants, Noosa District Landcare, and Tarwyn Park Training. Slow Food Noosa invites all local producers of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions to this evening information session. Light refreshments will be served on the night.
For more information about the grant program visit https://www.slowfoodnoosa.com/slow-food-noosa-snail-of-approval-regenerative-farming-and-native-vegetation-enhancement-funding-program/ or contact Rod Lees – 0408750027.
