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Local producers throw support behind RASV and VFF initiative

Agriculture: Heart of Victoria Thursday, 27 June 2013
With just three weeks until the Agriculture: Heart of Victoria dinner, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) have announced that ABC Landlines Pip Courtney will MC the event on Thursday, 27 June at Melbourne Showgrounds. The award-winning rural journalist will host the inaugural event to bring together more than 500 producers, agribusiness professionals and students to celebrate Victorias agricultural industry. Local producers have thrown their support behind the event, with Melbourne Market Authority, Matilda Bay Brewing Company, Dromana Estate, Witness Point, Grinders Coffee, Radfords, Turi Foods and Somerville Egg Farm all providing produce. The menu will feature locally sourced produce, including duck from the Wimmera region, beef from Gippsland and Romsey, chicken from Mornington, truffles from Spargo Creek and cheeses from Milawa and Maffra. The RASV and VFF have also secured a number of high profile sponsors, including Coles, Rural Finance, Department of Primary Industries, Dairy Australia and Victorian Young Farmers. RASV CEO, Mr Mark OSullivan, said, Agriculture: Heart of Victoria will showcase the states finest seasonal produce and provide an opportunity for those working, studying or connected to Victorias agricultural industry to recognise and celebrate an industry we are proud of. The industry has really thrown its support behind this new event and the RASV and VFF are thrilled to have Pip and our sponsors on board, said Mr OSullivan. Strongly supported by government, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Peter Walsh MP will attend as a guest speaker on the evening. Guests will also be entertained by Mornington Peninsulas very own five-piece performance group, the Quarry Mountain Dead Rats who will bring the stage to life with their raw and gritty version of oldtime mountain-music combined with modern rocknroll. VFF President Peter Tuohey, said, We have never seen such an event like this take place in Victoria. The event wont just showcase our States fine produce, but it will pay tribute to the farmers behind it. Melbourne is our food capital of Australia and regional Victoria is our garden. What a perfect setting for a celebration of how country and urban Victoria can truly come together, said Mr Tuohey. The Agriculture: Heart of Victoria dinner will be held on Thursday, 27 June 2013 at Melbourne Showgrounds and is a must-attend for those working, studying or connected to Victorias agricultural industry. Limited tickets are still available for the event. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.heartofvic.com.au. [ENDS] For all media enquiries, please contact Wrights on behalf of the RASV: Jess Jafer of Wrights on +61 403 042 855 / jjafer@wrights.com.au

About the RASV: The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) is a member-based organisation that promotes and celebrates agriculture through events, which link industry to consumers. The RASV ultimately aims to improve the quality and increase demand for Victorian agricultural produce. The RASV supports industry by conducting successful events, including the Royal Melbourne Show Victorias largest annual community event, providing industry with unique opportunities to enhance consumer awareness and understanding. For further information visit www.rasv.com.au About the VFF: The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is the largest state farmer organisation in Australia, representing over 10,000 members who live and work on more than 15,000 farm businesses situated across Victoria. The VFF is an active, powerful lobby group owned and governed by farmers, for farmers. With a strong record of successful political advocacy and leadership, the VFF has generated substantial benefits for the agriculture sector since its formation in 1979. For further information visit www.vff.org.au