Central Highlands agriculture on display at Farm to Fine Dining event

Local produce was the star of the show, as industry leaders dined out at an annual dinner at Brisbane.

Beef, mandarins, macadamias and popcorn were among the local produce transformed into a fine dining experience in Brisbane on July 22 to promote Central Highlands agriculture.

The best of Central Highlands’ produce was the main attraction for industry leaders who recently travelled to Brisbane to discover a taste of what the region has to offer.

The sixth Farm to Fine Dining Regional Produce Showcase was held on Thursday, July 22 at Brisbane, to promote the local agricultural industry, which is estimated to generate approximately $1 billion in output annually.

Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) CEO Arjan Bloemer said the four courses, including canapes, were a stunning feast for the senses.

The event was held at Blackbird Bar and Grill, overlooking the Brisbane River.

“What better way to give our guests an appreciation of our region’s thriving agriculture industry than through flavours, aromas and colours of beautifully-presented dishes,” he said.

“The evening is also a powerful networking opportunity because it’s not often that producers get to come face-to-face with so many influential representatives of the food supply chain at once.”

CHDC hosts the annual invitation-only dinner in partnership with Central Highlands Regional Council, local producers and agribusinesses.

More than 70 leaders and strategic stakeholders from agribusiness, government, peak industry bodies, tourism and investment sectors attended the 2021 event, including VIP guests Acting Premier Steven Miles and Minister Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner.

Attendees also included senior representatives from various Queensland Government departments, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Qantas, Local Government Association of Queensland, Austrade, and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.

The menu for the evening.

Local produce in this year’s menu included meat from Southern Cross Beef, Arcadian Organic and Natural Meat Co., Stent-Smith Pastoral Co., and Fair Dinkum Meats, as well as various smallgoods from Like Mum Used to Make, mandarins from 2PH, macadamias from Marquis, and popcorn from Avondale Farming.

The dinner was held just 24 hours after Brisbane was chosen as the host of the 2032 Olympics.

“The excitement and pride surrounding that announcement helped to reinforce how the Central Highlands’ agriculture industry is a huge asset to Queensland and its reputation internationally,” Mr Bloemer said.

The dinner was held at the Blackbird Bar and Grill and the menu was designed by the venue’s chefs.