Friday, 12 April 2019

Gippsland’s food and fibre industry is set to continue its growth and market presence, following the amalgamation of East Gippsland Food Cluster and Agribusiness Gippsland into Food & Fibre Gippsland Incorporated.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today returned to Farm World at Lardner Park to launch the new collaboration and the ‘Accelerating Growth in the Gippsland Food and Fibre Industry’ discussion paper.

The discussion paper, prepared by KPMG, sets ambitious growth targets for food and fibre in Gippsland, creating opportunities for an even more prosperous and sustainable food and fibre sector in Gippsland.

In the Victorian Budget 2018/19, the Andrews Labor Government provided $700,000 for the Gippsland Regional Partnership to support initiatives in the region’s food and fibre sector.

Following this, the Partnership made Food & Fibre Gippsland the group’s first priority.

The Latrobe Valley Authority is also working closely with Food & Fibre Gippsland to provide new opportunities to Gippsland producers and businesses operating within the food and fibre sector.

An example of innovation and collaboration at work, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Telstra and Latrobe Valley Authority have already supported the digitisation of five Gippsland producers to improve  sales, accounting and inventory processes, and access national and international markets through online sales.

The Labor Government sponsored the project for $250,000 through the Latrobe Valley Authority, supporting Gippsland Jersey, Maffra Cheese, Toms Cap Vineyard, Gippsland Natural Beef and Sailors Grave Brewing to grow their businesses digitally.

Food & Fibre Gippsland is building upon the region’s strengths and unique talents to promote, influence and create positive outcomes for the whole of food and fibre sector in Gippsland.

The ‘Accelerating Growth in the Gippsland Food and Fibre Industry’ discussion paper is available to download in the latest news section at foodandfibregippsland.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The launch of Food & Fibre Gippsland is a huge development for the sector in Gippsland – we’re proud to be supporting the growth and sustainability of the food and fibre industry in Gippsland and to facilitating strong market-driven demand for local products for many years to come.”

Quotes attributed to Stuart Quigley, Co-Deputy Chair, Food & Fibre Gippsland

“Together with all our stakeholders, members, industry, government and research partners, Food & Fibre Gippsland is focused on supporting the sector to evolve further as the economic engine that drives the region.”

Quotes attributed to Karen Cain, CEO, Latrobe Valley Authority

“Latrobe Valley Authority is proud to be working with Food & Fibre Gippsland on important projects that benefit the food and fibre sector locally, as well having a broader economic benefit for the Gippsland region.”

Quotes attributable to Paul Ford, Chair of the Gippsland Regional Partnership Food and Fibre Working Group

“Food and fibre is a key engine of the local economy. At each of our three Regional Assemblies, we heard how an action plan was needed for the local food and fibre industry. This is now well and truly underway.”