Hawkesbury Harvest were invited and attended a Victorian Parliamentary Committee.

This is looking into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer Suburban Melbourne. After a successful visit to our region we were invited back to discuss our approach to 'Farmers Markets'. Hawkesbury Harvest were one of eight interested parties attending and were the only non Victorian Group represented.

Hawkesbury Harvest would like to thank the inquiry for extending an invitation to us.

Remember Farmer Markets are about Farmers first and markets second.

Read this fascinating article from the Baltimore Sun. City Farm Could Flourish.

Could it work here.

Hawkesbury Harvest reckons it can.

Hawkesbury Harvest has submitted on behalf of its members the attached paper.

Agriculture is important to everyone. It start with good planners.

Hawkesbury Harvest Inc hearby give notice that our AGM will be held on the 8th June at Penrith City Council from 7pm.

Please download the agenda and officer bear nomination forms.

Alan Eagle
Secretary
Hawkesbury Harvest

Hawkesbury Harvest is keen to see the retention of Agriculture on the Urban fringes and as such have submitted to the State Government their views into the planning process titles 'Sydney Towards 2036 metro strategy review'

If you are fair dinkum about having fresh local foods on your doorstep you will support Hawkesbury Harvest in getting this important message to the decision makers.

This public lecture workshop has been postponed due to the shut down of the airlines.

I will advise you in a future email.

Hawkesbury Harvest

We are looking for children aged between 8 and 12 years from all over Australia to apply for our new and exciting series of Junior Masterchef. (They must be between 8 and 12 years on the 3rd of May 2010.) If you love cooking and want to show off your skills in front of our judges, you can apply to take part and have the chance to be crowned the first ever Junior MasterChef Champion, Australia!


What we're looking for:
• You need to be very enthusiastic about cooking and spending time in the kitchen.
• You need to be adventurous and open to learning new skills. Ideally cooking is something that you do often (or at least helping your family cook).
• You need to have cooked some things on your own before (or under your parent's supervision).
• You need to have several things you like to cook that you can cook for the judges.
• You need to be prepared to take some criticism (the judges may like some of what you cook, but there is also a chance they may not like other things about it).
• The judges will be looking for how well you can cook and how delicious your food tastes, but they will also be looking for your potential. This means you may not be perfect at everything now but you could be one day.
• And you can't be scared of being on camera!

You can apply at the website below;

https://juniormasterchef.castasugar.com/

Ultimate Truffle Experience to Millthorpe/Orange, NSW


Following last year’s huge truffle tour success, Urban Graze Cooking School is now offering an opportunity to visit Millthorpe, Orange Region NSW for four indulgent truffle weekends.

Few people know that exquisite truffles can be grown right here in Australia. Oak trees are inoculated with the truffle spore in Tasmania and then sent to select parts of Australia.

Millthorpe is located about 15 minutes from the centre of Orange and is a quaint little village oozing with old world charm and character. The people living in the Orange region are true foodies and are extremely friendly. There are fantastic restaurants scattered throughout the area including several with Sydney Morning Herald Chef Hats.

Download the flyer for more information

The board of Hawkesbury Harvest has put in place a 'Product Point of Sale' policy, know as our Genuine Grower Policy' for Farmers Markets.

This will allow consumers to identify if a stall holder is a Genuine Grower, Genuine Producer or a Reseller.

The power to buy from that stall will know be in the hands of the Customers.

It will be fully implemented across all Farmers Markets by the end of April 2010.

The Hawkesbury Harvest board of Management have decided to cancel the Rouse Hill Town Centre Farmers and Fine Food Markets.

Dear Member,

Food Connect has contacted Hawkesbury Harvest and are looking for Hawkesbury Harvest to put them in touch with our Farmer in the Harvest network.

Matthew and Sue Simmons from Swallow Rock Organics at Ebenezer, who attends Two Hawkesbury Harvest Markets, is a farmer in the Food Connect system.


Something about Food Connect:

‘Food Connect Sydney is a community supporting agriculture (CSA) enterprise that connects farmers with city folk. We believe in food with integrity and care about where your food comes from, who has grown it and the impact on the environment. We source ecologically grown produce from local and regional farmers. As a subscriber, you receive a weekly box of fresh fruit and vegetables that you pick up from your neighbourhood City Cousin. ‘

The Benefits to Farmers is laid out on the Food Connect Website. I have listed them below.

• We offer the following benefits when you are part of the Food Connect community:
• We pay promptly and reliably.
• We put your “Face on the Plate” for our consumers.
• We increase your sales by accepting more of the crop, not only that which conforms to supermarket quality specifications of size and shape.
• We provide price stability by offering the option for you to set the True Price for your produce throughout the season, with a tiered system for highly variable crops.
• We can minimise freight costs and environmental impacts by organising to share transport arrangements between growers in a similar region.
• You will be part of an enterprise with integrity and trust.

If you are interested in joining Food Connect and shifting some of your produce please contact Julian Lee, Food Connect Sydney, 04 0301 3366 or email him on produce@sydney.foodconnect.com.au

Check out their website: http://sydney.foodconnect.com.au

Download the form

They want to hear from you before the 18th December.

You can get this story on the latest news section on the home page of the Hawkesbury Harvest website.

Hawkesbury Harvest Board
Connecting Farmers and Opportunities

The Hon Tony Burke's address to the National Press Club on 2nd December.

Please down load the speech.

Bill from Kookootonga Walnut and Chestnut farm at Mount Irvine called to tell me he is harvesting right now Green Walnuts.

The growing process of the Walnut is that the shell of the walnut does not form until mid December so they harvest these nuts before then.

They are used in pickling or glazing process and obviously you finished up with pickled Walnuts and Glazed Walnuts.

The Greek and Turkish Community enjoy pickling these green walnuts.

The mature Walnuts will arrive around mid March, but the Green walnuts will finish around the 15th December.

Call Bill on 0247562136.

Checkout their details on the website.

http://hawkesburyharvest.com.au/market_directory.asp?ID=18

Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, shares his revolutionary ideas about food with Sydney International Food Festival director Joanna Savill, followed by a short question and answer session.

In what is sure to be one of the highlights of this year's festival, Petrini will deliver a manifesto for change based on the simple principles of good, clean and fair, which he explains as follows:

"Slow Food is good, clean and fair food. We believe that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work."

From humble beginnings as a protest against the opening of a McDonalds near the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Slow Food movement has blossomed internationally to include over 100,000 members - including an Australian branch.

Passionate, thought-provoking and challenging, prepare to rethink the politics of your refrigerator; after spending an afternoon with Carlo Petrini, you'll soon find yourself saving the planet - one meal at a time.

Carlo Petrini will be speaking at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday October 18, at 2pm.

To book, phone (02) 9250 7777 and quote "SLOW FOOD" or book online at - Sydney Opera House and enter the Promo Code SLOW FOOD

Carlo's book, Slow Food Nation, will be available for purchase and signing after his presentation.

Duration: 75 minutes, no interval

These project could assist farmers.

The Australian Government has announced $77.4 million of funding for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery Program. Comprising seven projects, the Program has the objective of improving river health by making more water available for environmental flows and reducing nutrient inputs to the river system.

The Program is being managed by the NSW Government Office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean
in partnership with NSW agencies. Open the attachment for the projects.

Further information on the Program can be obtained from Bruce Boyes, Project Manager, HNRRP on telephone 4729 8138 or bruce.boyes@ohn.nsw.gov.au

Agriculture is a key industry for the Hawkesbury LGA. We need land to grow food on.

Please read our submission and talk to your local councillor about the importance of retaining this industry.

A Taste of the Bush's third cookery book Rainforest to Table is now available.

This exciting new book is crammed full of recipes using Australian native flavours. With over 180 recipes ranging from soups, salads and starters to vegetarian meals, main courses, desserts and drinks, our cookery book is designed to take advantage of the amazing range of Australian indigenous food.

With easy to follow, everyday recipes and background information on the diverse range of native ingredients used, this book is a great introduction to a whole new world of flavours, creating our own Australian native cuisine.

All of the indigenous ingredients used in this book are available from “A Taste Of The Bush” as well as the entire range of our gourmet products made with Australian native flavours. Detailed product information is included at the back of the book.

*“Rainforest To Table”* is now available on-line, from selected stockists, from food events that we will be attending and from Castle Hill Farmers Market.

Retail price $33/

Good Evening,

Hawkesbury Harvest are pleased to announce we will be commencing a Farmers and Fine Food Market in Richmond on the 8th of August in the Richmond School of the Arts.

Building on successful markets in Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and now Penrith, this market will feature produce from the local and surrounding areas.

This bi monthly Farmers and Fine food market will run along with the already successful Lions Club Market. If demand for a monthly market is there we will go monthly.

We need your support in both being a consumer at the market or a participant.

Please read the attached Media Release for further information or goto the website and download the expressions of interest form from the Farmers and Fine Markets page.

Please stay tuned to the newsletter for ongoing updates

See you at the Markets.

On June 6th Urban Graze Cooking School is launching its newest venture, Urban Graze Food Tours, focusing on Sydney and surrounds and country NSW, to experience a gastronomic world you thought you'd never experience.

Urban Graze Food Tours has been designed to take you to unique places to
which the general public would not normally have access, combined with the
best places to buy and eat specialty foods.

Tours include The Southern Highlands Foodie Tour, The Ultimate Truffle
Experience in Orange NSW, Oyster Farm Tour to the Hawkesbury, Just Desserts
Tour of Sydney, Asian Tour of Sydney and a Cabramatta Tour.

Over 2500 people were estimated to attend the first Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Market on the Civic Precinct near the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Due to Anzac Day, Hawkesbury Harvest are respecting the tradition not to trade on this important day. Therefore the Market has been canceled for April only.

We will return at Rouse Hill on the 23rd May.

Thank you for your understanding

Hawkesbury Harvest Inc, in partnership with the City of Sydney, established a trial fresh food and produce market as part of an activation of the recently renovated Cathedral Square - Cook & Phillip Park. The trial market was held from Friday 22 August - 19 December 2008. Hawkesbury Harvest Inc and the City of Sydney are currently undertaking a review of the trial market including discussions on alternate days, times and locations.

Thankyou for your patience and keep watching this space for updates.

We are very keen to bring fresh local and regional produce to the City.

The Board of Hawkesbury Harvest
0406 237 877

Read about this great program that take food from the schools agricultural plots to the plate via a restaurant.

Fabulous Lavosh, Grissinni and more.

Kurrajong Kitchens is opening its doors to the public on Thursdays only from 11am to 1.30pm.

You can purchase their delicious products in a Hampers for or individually. Parking is tight so please park on the street and walk in.

Kicks off on the 13th November and will be open until Christmas.

Kurrajong Kitchens
Unit 4 / 53 Argyle Street
Windsor NSW 2756
Ph: 0245 774308

Hawkesbury Harvest will launch its third Farmers and Fine Food market in Cook + Phillip square (Outside St Marys Cathedral) on Friday 22nd August.

In partnership with the City of Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, MP will launch the markets at 11am.

Over 30 fresh food local and regional stalls will be present.

This weekly market will run from 10am - 2.30pm every Friday.

Come along and join in the fun.

Do you wish to develop a cohesive Farm Management Plan that aligns Land Use with Land Capability?

Do you wish to improve Productivity in a Sustainable way?

You can achieve this by constructing a holistic and dynamic plan for your farm with both short and long-term goals.

In constructing your Farm Plan, you will learn how to:

Down Load the flyer for more information.

Hawkesbury City Council and Hawkesbury Harvest are promoting this opportunity for all those who might like to get into farming or are interested in Agricultural.

In this informative 2 hours could you will hear from Land Rules / Planning experts, DPI, and Hawkesbury Harvest.

There will be a panel session for you to ask questions.

If you want to grow just a small patch of vegies, or a full farm come along and listen and ask questions.

You do not get many chances to get planning experts, DPI, Hawkesbury Harvest, Farming Small area experts and climate change people in one room at once so do not miss this.

If you have thought about some form of boutique farming then get along to the meeting.

Please download the attached flyer for more details.

15th May 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Deerubbin Centre
300 Windsor St
Windsor

RVSP: Fiona Mann, 02 4560 4579

The Future of Food
Information Evening

6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Sydney April 2nd

An important invitation for business innovators, key decision makers, financiers, journalists, and people concerned about food supply….

You are invited to attend an information evening to learn about the future of food, and the approaching challenges of feeding our cities in an era of climate change.

Much recent media coverage has emphasised the impact that climate change will have on agricultural systems – with the forecast that an increase in frequency of crop failure in combination with the inexorable rise in the cost of oil could bring on a food security crisis of global proportions.

People in cities all over the world are already beginning to feel these impacts through rising prices. But not only is agriculture affected by climate change, the way in which food is currently produced and distributed is one of the main drivers causing climate change .few Australians realise that food accounts for 21% of their total greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 13% for their transport (car, public, air) and 17% for electricity and gas.


Download the flyer for more information.

Last October celebrity Chef Iain Hewitson (Big Huey) visited the Hawkesbury to film over 30 cooking segments.

On the 20th March 2008 on the Ten Network at 3.30pm tune into Hueys Cooking Adventures when Iain will be cooking up the most fantastic recipes using local Hawkesbury Harvest tucker.

The first episode will feature Renaissance Rocking Horses. Iain spent two days at the inaugural Renaissance Rocking Horses Open Weekend celebrating the food that we produce.

On April 14th – 18th same channel, same time, Iain will be celebrating our rich food heritage for 5 days.

Each afternoon Iain will be showcasing various locations around the Hawkesbury. This was a fantastic initiative and a fabulous week.

Tune in to see the fruits of the region being prepared in your own back yard.

What a great promotion for the best place in space: the Hawkesbury Region

The Mayor, Councillor Sonya Phillips, and the Councillors of Baulkham Hills Shire Council invite you to attend a Civic Reception in recognition of the valuable contribution of those who promote our Shire through Tourism and Agriculture.

If you ever wondered about Alpaca and how they are shorn tune in on the 5th of February to Network 10 at 4pm and watch the Totally Wild Show.

Tanglin Lodge Aplacas are on the Farm Gate Trail and can give you a tour of the farm. Groups are welcome. 0419548242

· Interested in working at a number Farmers Markets.
· Do you love interacting with people
· Do you like selling
· Could you cook a quail egg or some kangaroo meat

The Game Farm, a family business, located at Galston NSW have been in operation since 1975 and are producers of quality table game.

They are looking for an entrepreneurial person or persons who are willing to take their Farmers Market strategy and implement it.

This will mean early starts, mostly on weekends, but it is very rewarding and you will be completely supported by the Game Farm.

This could be your opportunity to build new relationships in a growing market place.

The Game Farm is a proud member of the Hawkesbury Harvest network of growers.

For more information please contact Scott Evans, Managing Director on 0414651327 or email Scott at scott@gamefarm.com.au.

In the mean time check out their website at www.gamefarm.com.au

Agricultural lands located near cities and larger urban centres are under threat of development. These land use pressures means that agricultural land prices will increase disproportionately to incomes.

Better Building Blocks is a deliberately ambiguous title referring to a new ecological-economic vision [Eco-Vision] for the Peri-rural, peri-urban and urban-based residential developments as well as a vision for improving human lifestyles. A major part of this eco-vision is the realisation that residential-agriculture is becoming a major strategy for guaranteeing family food security, especially in the time of climate change, and the associated increases in fuel and other resource costs.

Eco~vision ? a new, innovative, climate change friendly way of thinking about residential housing of the future ? sharing our living space with nature, and receiving the benefits that nature offers. This new age thinking is based on a range of environmental and social principles including:

? Carbon Neutral,
? Climate Change,
? Greenhouse Abatement,
? Triple Bottom Line,
? Sustainability and
? Neutral or Beneficial Effects (NorBE).

Previously considered ?radical greenie ideas? are now being readily embraced by the community, including concerns for natural resources such as water and food supplies. The potential for peri-rural food production, and its relationship to family food security, must be evaluated holistically across the entire environment management strategy as illustrated in the following diagram ? the concept upon with this book is based.

This model describes the potential of Hawkesbury Harvest.

One of the two great chefs from the Urban Graze Cooking School,Tarrah, has agreed to share some secrets with you.

Download these special hints and look out for these tips from time to time.

The attached newspaper story is from the Australian on October 17th, written by Julien Cribb.

It is food for thought.

PRESS RELEASE: 11th September 2007

New Rose Wine Release from Tizzana Winery


Long before the Tizzana 2006 ?Ambrose Rose? won a gold medal, our customers were telling us it was a great wine. As a consequence it quickly sold out.

The Rose wine is made from the unusual Italian Grape variety Aleatico brought to Australia by Dr Fiaschi, the founder of Tizzana.

The good news is that the 2007 Ambrose rose is to be released on Saturday 15 September at the Hawkesbury Artburst event.

Tizzana?s winemaker, Peter auld says of the wine that ?the Aleatico grapes from which it is made is just a perfect match for the wine style. A delicate salmon pink with a rose-like aroma and balanced with an off-dry sweetness. The wine is an ideal accompliment to many foods or just enjoyed by itself?

Tizzana Ambrose can be purchased at the cellar door - $20.00 per bottle



Peter Auld
Tizzana Winery
518 Tizzana Rd Ebenezer NSW 2756
Phone o245 791150

Read Hawkesbury Harvests paper on this important subject.

The contribution of agriculture and agricultural-based products to the NSW economy

This submission is specific to agriculture in the urban and urbanising environments. Its reference is the Sydney Statistical Division (SD) and the role of Hawkesbury Harvest because that is where most of the work on which this submission is based has occurred.

· Research suggests that the value of agricultural production associated with urban areas in Australia is in the order of 25% of Australia?s total production.
· The farm gate value of agriculture in the Sydney SD is estimated at $1 billion per annum. This represents approximately 12% of NSW?s total agricultural production grown on approx 1% of the State?s agricultural land.
· The contribution of this agriculture to the State?s economy is at least $3 billion when a conservative multiplier factor of 3 is applied.
· There are at least 8000 (ABS) and possibly as many as 11,000 (NSW Agriculture) people employed full time in agriculture in the Sydney SD. This represents in the order of 11% of the State?s total employment numbers in the agricultural industry.

Download the document to read the whole paper.

Mr Tony Kelly, NSW Minister for Regional Development, will be our guest of honour at Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers & Gourmet Food Market?s on the 11th August.

Mr Kelly will join Simon Manrie from Weekend with Simon Marnie, ABC Sydney radio, on air and cut our fifth birthday cake.

Download the media release.



The Hawkesbury Harvest and Gourmet Food market can be found at the Castle Hill showground. Enter via Carrington road.

The ABC broadcast starts at 6am, markets kick off at 8am.

Join us in August (11th) at the Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Gourmet Food markets for a live radio broadcast of 702 ABC Sydney WEEKENDS with Simon Marnie.

Simon will be helping us celebrate our birthday with live radio between 6am and 12noon.

Come along and listen to the WEEKENDS Gardening Experts (9am ? 10am) plus the legendary WEEKEND WOODIES (10am ? 11am), providing you with all you need to know about home renovation?and some.

Mark this day on your calendar.

You could win a Farmers Brunch by listening to the Weekend Show.

For more information download the flyer and put it on your Fridge door.

Interested in assisting with an experiment in growing Green Tea in the Hawkesbury.

Andrew Phillips from the Coffee Warehouse and Edible Gardens has approximately 400 ? 500 Green Tea Plants.

Research has shown that land at the foot of the Mountains (Kurmond to Lapstone) could be ideal for growing Green Tea. If you have space to plant 20 ? 30 plants and have to the time to manage a small experiment we would like to talk to you.

If you would like further information please fill out the form or contact Andrew Phillips on 0412203921.

David Mason has finalised his commitments to his Churchill Scholorship and finalised his report into Urban Agriculture.

After visiting 7 Countries in 7 weeks this report is worth a read. It is both present thinking and future thinking.

If you are interested in farming then this is a must read.



Copy and paste this link to get to Davids website, right click on 'Report' and then download the report.

It is

www.urbanagricultureworldwide.com

Providores and Growers.

Hawkesbury Harvest is interested in speaking with Providores and Growers to develop mutually beneficial relationship in relation to the distribution of Fresh and Value added produce.

If you are all interested in talking to us. Please fill out the attached form and we will contact you.

Regards

Alan Eagle
Secretary
Hawkesbury Harvest

Follow David Mason trip across the globe by reading his experiences on his blog.


Below is an extract of the blog site which is.



http://www.urbanagricultureworldwide.blogspot.com/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This site will be a diary of my experiences as I travel to Singapore, the Netherlands, England, USA, and Canada on my 2006 Churchill Fellowship between 14th October and 13th December. The purpose of my trip is to identify how sustainable urban agriculture is benefiting the quality of life of urban communities for application in Australia. Listeners of Simon Marnie's 'Weekend' show on ABC Radio 702 Sydney on a Saturday morning will hear a precis of my journey in the Farm Gate Trail segment

This is a community landuse forum, it is planned to be an inspiring day for residents and friends of the Hawkesbury. When I say ?Our hawkesbury? I really mean Sydney?s Hawkesbury.

The forum will allow people who live, or want to live in this heritage rich region to discuss a range of topical social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.

The Hawkesbury is historically has been part of Sydney?s Food bowl and as such it is part of our cultural heritage. As Sydney becomes more Urbanised the Hawkesbury Region offers the Sydney resident and visitors the opportunity to get out of the density living environment to breathe the air, see and experience the beauty of the agricultural and natural beauty of the area.

This is made even simpler by the construction of the M7 which allows people living in the centre of Sydney to reach the Hawkesbury within an hour.

The pressure is on for subdivision and it is in the interest of all Sydney people to participate in this forum for the benefit of all Sydney resident as well as future generations.

Please register now. Details are on the attached form

Hawkesbury Harvest has great pleasure in announcing to its members, partners and friends that Carol Layton has been appointed Hawkesbury Harvest Food and Wine Coordinator.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts (lst Class Honours) in Australian History and a Masters of Arts in Communications.

Carol has a strong background in the Food and Wine Industry and played a key role in the local restaurant scene with award winning Embers Wood Fired Pizza. She has extensive experience in the Communications Industry including the private sector, adult education, and consultancy. She has recently been involved in a wide range of projects in the not-for-profit sector. A long-time resident of the Hawkesbury, she is passionate about preserving the farming and agricultural heritage of our region.

On behalf of Hawkesbury Harvest and it members we welcome Carol to the important role of Hawkesbury Harvest Food and Wine Coordinator.

I will circulate Carols contact details very shortly. Carol will be commencing in the role in the next few weeks.

I have attached a brief outline of the Food and Wine Coordinators role.

We have a lot of work in front of us and we need your help in getting there.

Could you please make Carol welcome.

Regards

Alan Eagle
Secretary
Hawkesbury Harvest.
0415244477

Work Placement students are actually studying your industry as part of their HSC.

Students are seeking the opportunity to apply their developing industry related skills as learnt in the classroom.


Workplacement: Is a mandatory component towards HSC Students are currently studying Certificate II in their chosen course

Students currently hold their Greencard (OH&S)

Students are fully insured by the Department of Education and Training (DET)

Is a non paid situation

Develops appropriate attitudes towards work

Understand employer expectations

Make future career choices based on experience of the industry

July 29th & 30th


This most beautiful flower springs to life in Winter.

Ingrid, your host, will tell you all about this fantastic flower.

There will be expert advice available on the weekend on how to look after the Helleborus and how to grow it.

While having your free light refreshments have a chat with the grower.

You can now download an order from direct from the Helleborus Down Under Website. (Go to the Catalogue Page)

Hawkesbury Harvest has won funding support from the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board, the Department of State and Regional Development, the Department of Transport and Regional Services, and Lend Lease/GPT, to conduct a new agri-development project.

Called the ?Hawkesbury Harvest Food and Wine Coordinator Project?, it seeks to activate product development, networks and new marketing initiatives for food and wine in the Sydney Basin. It will build on the successes of the Farm Gate Trail and Paddock-to-Plate projects by establishing a provedoring service, new direct channels for fresh food distribution in the region, and the establishment of the Hawkesbury Harvest Markets at the Rouse Hill Regional Centre. Hawkesbury Harvest is currently looking to recruit a project coordinator to implement the project activities

If you are interested please read the job advertisement. The information pack can be downloaded

Hawkesbury Harvest board member Eric Brocken had an oppourtunity to meet The Hon Fran Bailey Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism.

Mr. Alan Cadman, Member for Mitchell made the introduction over a Small Business breakfast. Read Eric thoughts on the meeting.

The Australian agriculture and food sector has a proud record of operating successfully in the domestic market and the intensely competitive international market. It has achieved this success by adapting to unrelenting change, through technical and managerial innovation, strong leadership, and improved policies and strategies.

The Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group was commissioned in March 2005 to help guide the development of future directions in Australian Government policies and programs affecting the agriculture and food sector.

The famous Farmers and Gourmet food markets start up tomorrow, 11th February.

For all your fresh produce, value added food and the best cup of coffee and bacon and egg roll you can handle are back again.

Every second Saturday of each month. Kicks off at 8am.

Eggs, Apples, Vegies, Cheese, Plants, Coffee, Fish, Pasta, Bags, Bread, Native Foods and much more.

Pick up those special roses for your Valentine.

The Trail cannot be completed in one day so we have created 4 Itineraries for you.

The Gorge, The North River Run, The South River Run and the Mountains Run.

You can download these itineraries by going to the Farm Gate Trail menu and look for Itineriaries.

All contact details and opening times are avaiable on the down loadable itineraries.

Enjoy.

ROSE FARM OPEN DAYS
Tues 27 Dec and Wed 28 Dec

The rose farm will be open and you are welcome to come and enjoy all the colours and fragrances of our field-grown roses.

We have over 20 varieties of fragrant roses in a variety of colours - pinks, lemons, apricots, purples, reds - pastels and bold colours - something to suit everyone's taste!

Tours will be conducted each hour from 10am where you can enjoy the gardens with John as your guide to answer any technical questions or general rose queries. If you find a rose you really love, you can order rose bushes for delivery in the winter months.

You can relax in the gardens while enjoying coffee, tea, homemade muffins, pies, salads, light lunch and of course our famous Tutti Fruitti real-fruit ice-cream.

Freshly-picked raspberries and blueberries will also be
available. If you are planning to come for lunch in a group of more than five, please ring ahead so that we can ensure we have catered for you all.

Phone/Fax Tutti Fruitti (02)4567-8436 or Cynthia 0412-399296

You can find all your Bush Tucker from the following Kurrajong Australian Native Food outlets.

Courteneys Deli
Mount Tomah Boatanical Garden
Enniskillen Orchard
Tizzana Winery
Sassafras Creek Cafe
Fernbrook Garden and Gallery
Monthly Farmers and Gourmet Food Markets (10th December)

Also you can pick up your Lavosh from Kurrajong Kitchens at

Courteneys Deli and all famous food Outlets.

The Hawkesbury Sustainable Farmers Network, Hawkesbury Harvest and the University of Western Sydney are pleased to present a unique workshop.

The workshop is titled "Introduction to Grape and Wine Production in the Sydney Basin"

Are you interested in growing grapes or producing wine?

Would you like some more information on these two topics?

Then you can attend this workshop, which will be conducted by senior staff from University of Western Sydney?s Hawkesbury Campus.

Date of Workshop: Saturday 19 November 2005
Time of Workshop: 1pm till 4.30pm
Location of Workshop: The Horticulture Centre, Building S8, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond. Enter via Londonderry Road entrance, then first left into Horticulture Road, then first left again through the main Horticulture gates (follow the signs).

Workshop Outline

Topic 1: Introduction to grape growing and grape varieties for the Sydney Basin
Associate Professor Tan Nair

Topic 2: Sustainable pest and disease management for grape producers
Associate Professors Robert Spooner-Hart and Tan Nair

Topic 3: Visit to UWS research vineyard, discussion of trellising, pruning, vine management
Associate Professor Tan Nair

Topic 4: Wine making and tasting of wines produced in the Sydney Basin
Associate Professor Geoff Skurray

Please register early, as places in the workshop are limited.

This free workshop is jointly sponsored by:
The Hawkesbury Sustainable Farmers? Network
Hawkesbury Harvest
University of Western Sydney

To confirm your attendance and for catering purposes, please click view details to either fill out an enquiry form or contact the organisers.

Hawkesbury Harvest were invited to attend this prestigious National Conference in Western Australia. (September 2005)

Ian Knowd attended representing Hawkesbury Harvest.

The key theme for 2005 was:

TAKING THE PULSE OF REGIONAL TOURISM: innovation and connectivity

focusing on:

* HEALTHY HEAD - Building your knowledge base
* HEALTHY HEART - Connecting with communities
* HEALTHY HANDS - Innovative product development
* HEALTHY FEET - Connecting with visitors

Hi Friends of Toque Restaurant,

Well, after much mucking around we are getting organised to hold our first classes with David our chef. They will be in the form of a cooking demonstration with a little hands on stuff as well.

Download your own copy of Hawkesbury Harvest model of Regional Agricultural Developement.

This proven model has been driving Hawkesbury Harvest for over 5 years and has wide community support.

For further information please contact us at.

info@hawkesburyharvest.com.au

Come and Celebrate our BIRTHDAY.

Giveaways, hampers, plus live music plus more

13th August 8am ? 12noon
CASTLE HILL SHOWGROUND, Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Showground rd, Castle Hill - Entrance via Carrington road

FOOD HAMPERS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY at 9AM, 10AM & 11AM.

Susan Fennelly from Country Road Adventures has decided to hang up her microphone.

Saturday 30th July was her last broadcast on 702 ABC radio for Hawkesbury Harvest.

Over the past two years Susan has been the voice of Hawkesbury Harvest with her insightful comments on farming, produce and wine. Her following who hear her at 6.40am most Saturdays will miss her.

Susan was responsible for the poem inside the cover of the last two editions of the Farm Gate Trail map and much more.

Hawkesbury Harvest appreciates and thanks Susan for her commitment to Hawkesbury Harvest and her commitment to the community over the last 7 years.

Thankyou Susan.

Hawkesbury Harvest in association with the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Campus has launched the Self Guided Tour of the Campus.

The historical Hawkesbury Agriculture College was first founded in 1891, some 114 years ago.

It is worth the walk around. There is plenty of parking and things to see.

Please download the self guided tour information by clicking on the link.

Fernbrook Garden & Botanical Art Gallery will be starring on Gardening Australia, on ABC TV, (Ch 2) at 6.30pm this Saturday, 2nd July and repeated Sunday 3rd at 1 pm.

This fabulous garden, hand raised by Elaine and Les is most beauitiful. If you have not been yet, then take a peek at the TV on Saturday or Sunday and then make a day to go. Check out the exquisite paintings from the hand of Elaine, whilst you are there.

Hawkesbury Harvest and some of its members are in the media.

Read about the future of Urban Agriculture.

Those of us who were able to make it to our birthday bash at Tizzana Winery on Tuesday the 10th of May enjoyed a balmy afternoon in a magic setting at one of the rural jewels of the Hawkesbury Region. Caroline and Peter Auld were their usual gracious hosts and the event was a great success thanks to the efforts of Anne and Mariah Stewart, and Alan Eagle. We supped on some very delicious morsels and were able to wash them down with Peter's great wines. It was a tough afternoon's work, but I think most of our guests went away with a desire to while away some quality time along the Trail. Thanks also to Ken Knox and his team from Lend Lease, our Friends of Harvest at the Rouse Hill Regional Centre development, who very generously donated funds to support the Celebration.

Last week Hawkesbury Harvest was visited again by Tourism NSW.

This large government department in liaison with Tourism Australia promotes regional tourism products to both local, interstate and overseas visitors and tour operators. They produce high quality, glossy publications which they distribute to their target market/s - without cost to those who are selected to feature in these brochures.

Previously, Hawkesbury Harvest and the Farm Gate Trail have featured in their Sydney and Surrounds - the wine and food lover's guide and we will feature again in the 2005 edition.

They have also been monitoring our Farmgate Trail during this period, waiting for it to reach its potential and for some of our FGT members to match their criteria for local and international promotion of our wide variety of members and their products - Alpacas to Geranium Cottage and everyone in between.

We have recently received this letter of support from Tourism NSW (after their visit) and it appears that they are now ready to engage with the Farm Gate Trail at this level. (see attachment)

The route & members were chosen by Tourism NSW and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following members who helped make this recent visit such a success -you ALL did your fellow members and Hawkesbury Harvest proud. You all were very professional in your presentation, site tours and commentaries - these were second only to your great welcome and hospitality. To me, you were just being your normal great selves but to these important visitors you all looked like seasoned professionals.

A BIG thank you to David and Eleanor at Talai Estate, Cheryl and Mark at Balanced Essentials, Jim Dale at Geranium Cottage, Steven Adey at Darling Mills Farm and finally to Alison and Tom at Charlton Creek Studio & Gallery for making it home from their day jobs to open the Gallery especially for us.

Michael from Tourism Hawkesbury was also our guest for the day and he too was very impressed.

Hopefully, with a higher profile we will be able to not only build our members business' but to also channel funds from this very successful venture into other Hawkesbury Harvest projects such as regional branding, provedoring and tour operations, well, that?s the plan anyways.


Warmest regards
Anne Stewart
Executive Officer

The Farm Gate Trail Map has hit the Trail.

Supporters of the farm gate trail have been eagerly awaiting the 4th edition of the Farm Gate Trail. It has arrived and has been distributed to some Farm Gate members and to Hawkesbury Tourism.

This year we have 8 new additions to the trail.

The Geranium Cottage starred on the Channel 7 Last week. Ian Ross from Better Homes and Gardens told the thousands of viewers the important details for planting and caring for Pelargoniums.

You can read all about it in the latest issue of Better Homes and Garden from your nearest newsagent or drop out to the Geranium Cottage. 828 Old Northern Road Dural.

Ask Jim or Riva to assist you, they are experts.

You can also telephone them on 0296520475.

Congratulations.

Farm Gate Trail members met last night at Talai estate to preview the draft of the 2005 map.

It was a fantastic night hosted by David and Eleanor Moss at their lovely vineyard. Cellar door tours along with the presentation of the draft map were the highlights of the night.

The new map will be out soon. Look out for it.

Only 7 Days to go.

Don't forget to pick up your fresh roses from Tutti Fruitti at Bilpin and Nati Bros Roses at Dural.

There are some excellant eateries on the trail. Lochiel House has a special menu on for that special evening. Book Early.

Love is in the air...........

Hawkesbury Harvest Members star on ABC TV popular show Surfing the Menu.

Congratulations to the Hawkesbury and those participating Harvest members.

This a fantastic day.

Put Saturday 22nd January into your diary now.

Drive up the mountain to Bilpin and you will find Pine Crest Orchard at 2549 Bells Line of Road Bilpin.

You will be able to wander through the Orchard and select and pick the fruit of your choice. It is a wonderful experience for all ages.

You will rarely get an opportunity to do something like this so close to Sydney.

Many varieties of apples (Akane, (taste like Jonathon apples)and Gravenstein apples.

Tasty Yellow fleshed Peaches, Blood plums and Yellow fleshed plums and Brown Nashi pears all at your finger tips.

There will be a sausage sizzle on the day and a self guided orchard tour with information boards. This will be the most fun since.......... well you know when.

Go early to avoid the crowds.



For more detail contact: John Galbraith on 02 45671143 or email john on johngalbraith@hotmail.com

A end of year delightful poem penned by the Susan Fennelly.

Happy Christmas to all of Hawkesbury Harvest supporters and customers.

Happy new Year................

Sassafras Creek is an exciting new gallery, café and home wares store now open in Kurrajong Village. (83 Old Bells Line of Road)

The Gallery is a showcase for Australian contemporary craft and design, demonstrating the quality and diversity of work currently being produced by Australian craft practitioners.

The food is modern Australian ? light lunch time fare and delicious morning and afternoon teas. The menu features local seasonal produce ? stone fruit, figs, raspberries, apples, goat?s cheese etc. There are a number of seating alternatives, under the umbrellas in the front courtyard, by the fireplace in winter or on the back verandah in the late afternoon breeze.

The store is the place to find a dynamic range of home wares, perfect for a casual lifestyle. There are brightly coloured cushions and throws, softer style quilts and bed linen as well as old scrubbed pine furniture and baskets.

Hours: 7 days a week 9 am to 5 pm until Christmas

Phone: 4573 0988


You will really love this place.

..·.·.·´¯`·.·.[» NEW WINES RELEASED «].·.·´¯`·.·.·..

Several new wines from the vintages of 2003 and 2004 have just been released
for sale and tasting at Tizzana Winery at Ebenezer. According to winemaker
Peter Auld, "the small berry size and low yields as a result of the drought
conditions of these vintages means that these wines are showing excellent
varietal characteristics seldom seen in the Sydney wine region". Historical
"Tizzana Winery" is located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and was
established by the famous Dr Thomas Fiaschi in the 1880s. The new 2003/4
current releases include the Waterloo (Shiraz), Clarissa (a blend of Shiraz,
Merlot and Petit Verdot) and Vintage Port (Fortified Shiraz). By popular
request, Tizzana Winery has also repackaged one of its most popular wines
into smaller 375ml half bottle - the Old Liqueur Sweet White is now
available in both full and half bottle sizes. These range in price from $10
to $22 and are available for sale at the winery and make excellent Christmas
gifts.

Tutti Fruitti is celebrating its first Birthday. Happy Birthday Tutti Fruitti.

When you are out on the trail on the 21st November 2004 drop in and see Cynthia and the gang at Tutti Fruitti. (Number 9 on the FGT map at 1917 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin).

You will be able to taste the fabulous ice cream that is made in front of your own eyes with fresh fruit from Tutti Fruitti's own farm.

Also you will have an opportunity to wander through the field grown roses on the same property.

You might even get a slice of birthday cake.

Look out for the purple and yellow signs and the balloons.

Enjoy and Happy Birthday.

Hawkesbury Harvest has added 4 new itineraries to its product range..

We are acting on information received from Customers over the past few months that the trail is a bit long to complete in one day. As a result of this feedback we have created four (4) itineraries that take into account the whole trail as well as being seasonal. These are the Spring Itineraries. As the seasons change we will update these itineraries for you.

You will be able to download both the itinerary, including contact details, and a mini map for each section of the trail. Some new members have been added, but you will have to contact these members first before a visit.

Our large map with all its features will still be available to you our customers.

Please click on the link to take you directly to the web page or visit the website and go to the Farm Gate Trail menu item on the home page and look for the Itineraries on the drop down box.

http://www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au/farmgate_itineraries.asp

To Our Valued Customers,


Please find attached the new SPRING menu that we have created for you.

We are also happy to announce that we now have a liquor licence and are able to offer an exciting choice of wines for your enjoyment. You may still BYO.

We are very appreciative of your patronage and look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm regards,

Monique & Tony

Congratulations to Loxley on Bellbird Hill who have won the award titled, ?Excellence in Business Presentation? in the inaugural Excellence in Business Awards held in the Hawkesbury last Friday.

Loxley who specialise in Love, Learning and Leisure were also finalists in two other categories. You cannot find a better venue for your conference, overnight stay and as an added bonus you will get to taste the fabulous fare from Patrice, Loxley?s master chef.

Congratulations Paul and the team at Loxley.

Orchard up-date from Penrith Valley

The Wonderful world of Geranium Cottage

Hawkesbury Harvest and members of the Farm Gate Trail welcomes Talai Estate Winery

The Bilpin Garden Club?s Spring Flower Show is in its 44th year. It is staged in the Bilpin District Hall and surrounds, and as well as cut flowers, foliage and floral arrangements on display there will be many plants and crafts for sale. This year a program of free talks and demonstrations about Floral Art, special plants and general gardening topics has been added to the usual attractions.

Entries in our Show are welcome from anyone interested, not only members of the Garden Club, and any number of entries may be placed in the Show free of charge. We expect over 800 exhibits featuring unusual cool-climate flowers to be on display, including spectacular azaleas and rhododendrons.

The Show is open to the public on Saturday 9th October 2004 from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm and on Sunday 10th October from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Bilpin District Hall, Bell?s Line of Road, Bilpin. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children. Bilpin is on the way to Mt Wilson and Mt Tomah where there are more wonderful displays of Spring blooms, all less than two hours from Sydney. Morning and afternoon teas as well as lunches are available at the Flower Show. Coaches are welcome, and the Hall has easy wheelchair access. At the end of the Show on Sunday afternoon, all the glorious cut flowers are sold very cheaply.

For more information call the Show Secretary on 02 4573 2565

Click 'Details' and goto the bottom of page for the program of speakers and demonstrations.

The first edition of The Harvest times Journal is now on the website.

In the Winter edition of the Harvest Times Journal you will find;

What is happening along the trail, stories about members and partners, recipes and much more.

To access this edition just click on the "Latest News" tab and select "The Harvest Times Journal"



Thanks to all those you have contributed and assisted with the artwork and publication of each of the stories.


Margaret Down
Executive Officer
Hawkesbury Harvest

Hawkesbury Harvest have recently signed two new members.

Desert to Bush. Fabulous Jams and Chutneys, made in the Hawkesbury from Bush Tucker.

Pivi's Deli. The best Deli in the Hawkesbury. Soon to be stocking value added Hawkesbury Harvest products

You can find their contact details via the Mebership information web page. (More product information to be posted on these pages soon)

The now famous Waratah Farm Open Day date has been set down as the 3rd of October. (1030am - 3pm)(see full story for details)

Please put this in your diary now. This is a fabulous plant and the cut blooms will be available for purchase. Loads of information and expertise at your finger tips.

Don't miss this, it is only once a year.

That tantalizing tang of Citrus

With an abundance of Citrus Fruits in the orchards at present it?s an ideal time to stock up on those wonderful jams, curds, chutneys and marmalades that stem from the great variety of Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit and Mandarins that are available from the Farm Gate at present.

Bitter Seville Oranges ? have a high pectin and acid content combined with a punchy flavour making them a most sort after variety of orange for the old fashioned marmalade maker

Valencia Oranges- are very juicy and are ideal for sweet marmalades and orange curds. They are often full of seed s which is an important part of marmalade making providing the very important pectin.

Lemons. Eureka being one of the most common they bear fruit and flowers just about all year round. Lemons are indispensable in any kitchen , particularly in the area of preserving. Lemons successfully add pectin and acid to jams and jellies made from low pectin fruit such as some berries and stone fruit.

Grapefruits The large golden skinned grapefruit vary in size .. ?Wheeny? a popular Australian variety can be very juicy making an ideal breakfast fruit. The yellow skinned and fleshed varieties have a sharp and rather refreshing flavour excellent for jams and marmalades.

Mandarins. With a heavily perfumed flower the Mandarin is an ideal tree for any backyard producing fruit from Autumn to Spring. The fruit is sweet and juicy with loose skins. Seedless Mandarins can be preserved whole in sugar syrup making a delicious summer sweet.

Preserving fruits is one of the oldest kitchen crafts known to man and was once vital to provide the variety in our diets through long cold winters when fresh fruits were scare. Larders were filled with bottles of summer and autumn fruits , jams chutneys and pickles .

Preserving is enjoying a new look with a greater variety of produce available all year round.

See attachment for a great recipee or visit the recipee website page.

Check the recipe page for this fabulous recipe.

Enjoy

Congratulations to Joe and Vicki who have just celebrated the birth of their 7th child, Nicole. All are well.

The Vege Farm will close until the 29th May. Drop on down on Saturdays from the 29th May to pick up those fabulous fresh veges and say hello to the whole family.

The Farm Gate Trail was featured on Sydney Weekender last Saturday on Channel 7 at 5.30pm.

Congratulaions to Springside Gallery, Christine and her staffs excellent presentation for H.H. to Tutti Frutti - who's Orchard looked like a picture postcard and the aray of country roses was truley a credit to them and to Hawkesbury Vegetable Farm for involving the children and thanks to Vicki whose baby is due this week.

Congratulations.

Windsor Smoke house has closed from 1st March 2004. Tassal, the parent company , have moved their operations to Tasmania.

Hawkesbury Harvest would like to thank Gerhard and Eva for thier support and contribution to the Hawkesbury.