Community & Business
31 October, 2024
Pilot produce program
A NEW pilot program has been launched in the Tablelands area to make locally grown produce more accessible in Far North Queensland.
In order to strengthen the local food system and make it easier for consumers and businesses to access fresh, locally grown produce, Sustainable Table has launched a six-month pilot program aimed at increasing the capacity of a wholesale food distribution hub in Far North Queensland as part of the Atherton Tablelands Integrated Collaboration (ATIC).
“We’re calling on wholesalers, retailers, local businesses and consumers to collaborate with us in this pilot program,” CEO of Sustainable Table Jade Miles said.
“This is about creating a more resilient and sustainable local food system where everyone benefits.
“Farmers can access local markets, businesses can offer fresher produce, and consumers can enjoy the healthiest, freshest food available.”
Despite being a rich food bowl with a diverse range of produce, much of Far North Queensland’s locally grown food is currently shipped down south for processing and then transported back up to local supermarkets.
This process results in produce that travels thousands of kilometres before reaching consumers, losing freshness and increasing its carbon footprint.
The pilot program, titled “Grown in FNQ Direct”, seeks to address these challenges by keeping some of the locally grown food in FNQ.
The program will test the viability of a wholesale distribution hub that connects local farmers directly with businesses, retailers, and consumers.
The aim is to simplify the supply chain, reduce food miles, and ensure that more fresh, nutrient-dense produce is available to FNQ residents without the need for long-distance transportation and processing.
Participants in the program will have the opportunity to order produce directly through the Mareeba Tablelands to Tabletop wholesale hub, helping to gauge demand, test feasibility, and refine the logistics.
A FNQ Direct box is now available from the Tablelands to Tabletop website.
Their 10kg box for $65 can feed a family of five for a week, or a family of two for a fortnight, and includes delivery.
