Farm Gate Produce Area celebrates a feast of the senses

Visitors to Henty’s Farm Gate Produce Area will be able to indulge in a feast of the senses with an array of regional produce to see, smell and taste.

From spices to salami, wines to herbal teas, and gin to gluten free paella, Farm Gate Produce Area offers visitors the opportunity to buy, taste and share local foods and drinks.

Featuring a host of regional exhibitors, the Farm Gate Produce Area is located on the southern edge of the field day site, and has a busy program of demonstrations and talks by presenters.

There will be plenty of tips and advice from micro flower farmer Sophie Kurylowicz from Little Triffids, artisan and visitors can join fungi enthusiast Tracie MacVean to hear about the diversity and curiosities of the fungi kingdom. 

Learn about the anatomy of fungi, the basics of how to identify fungi and common edible, medicinal and toxic mushrooms.

Accompanying this talk is an extensive array of local fungi photographs and artwork by Tracie, along with ready-made grow buckets and other mushroom products. 

New to Farm Gate this year will be emerging Riverina icon, Whitton Malt House, showcasing their unique tourist venture based in the cotton fields of the Riverina. 

Riverina pork producers John and Lauren Dowling, of Grong Grong, will be speaking about their paddock to plate business with locally grown and produced fresh and smoked pork products under their brand Codemo Smallgoods.  

Also among the producers is Gamila MacRury, of Gamilia’s of Beechworth, the equal winner of the champion savoury preserve trophy at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards with her pickled blueberries with saffron. 

A masterclass will be given by vigneron Damian Cofield, Cofield Wines, Rutherglen, and Tumbarumba distiller Robbie Ladbroke will speak on the botanicals used in gin and mixing cocktails.

Adding to the atmosphere will be talented regional musicians, Happy Hour, on the outdoor sound stage, the perfect spot to relax with a plate of delicious food, and circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle with her hoop routines. 

Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering is excited about taking part in an event that celebrates this region and its produce.

Ms Mannering said the Farm Gate Produce Area was all about showcasing local product, businesses and expertise.

“it’s great to be working at Farm Gate as it lines up with my values as a champion of local produce for the past 20 years.

“We have so many talented people in the region and Farm Gate will bring us together to celebrate our beautiful produce.”

This year’s exhibitors include herbal teas, red, white and sparkling wines, spirits, cider, coffee, gourmet handmade puddings, pastries, condiments, confectionary, spices, small goods, premium cook and knife ware, and gluten free paella.

The Farm Gate market has consistently aimed to showcase produce primarily grown and value added in southern NSW and Victoria’s Northeast.

There will be daily give aways of 10 vouchers valued at $10 for spending on the day at Farm Gate. 

Check out HMFD’s Facebook for more detailed timing of demonstrations closer to the event.