Latest news with #SouthernForestsFoodCouncil
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Southern Forests wines shine in WA's first-ever People's Choice awards
Southern Forest wines have made their mark on Western Australia's wine scene, with local producers dominating the State's inaugural People's Choice awards. The Top Up wine awards are a new, consumer-driven celebration of WA wines with more than 20,000 wine lovers casting their votes over a six-week voting period. The result was a people-powered list of the State's most loved wines, with Southern Forests producers earning 12 spots in the top 100, including the coveted number one position, which was claimed by Ampersand Estates' pinot noir. Six Pemberton-grown pinots made the top 100, reinforcing the region's standing as a premier source for the notoriously delicate variety. The region's diversity also shone through with Pemberley prosecco coming in at number 80 — the only prosecco to make the list, adding sparkle to the region's accolades. Southern Forests Food Council chair Arthur Wilson said seeing so many local drops celebrated was a boost to the individual brands as well as the reputation of the wider region. Lisa Radomiljac, representing the Southern Forests Wine Regions, agreed. 'This result is a resounding endorsement from consumers,' she said. 'Southern Forests producers are growing some of the most exciting wines in the State, and it's fantastic to see the public responding to that quality with such enthusiasm.' Southern Forest wines which featured in the top 100 #1 – Ampersand Estates Pinot Noir#2 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Nitty Gritty Pinot Grigio#19 – Picardy Pinot Noir#20 – Pemberley Pinot Noir#29 – Below & Above Pinot Noir#35 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken Chardonnay#64 – Ampersand Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay#74 – Bellarmine Sauvignon Blanc#75 – Below & Above Chardonnay 1#78 – Ampersand Estates Chardonnay 11. #80 – Pemberley Prosecco 12. #99 – South by South West Pinot Noir
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Southern Forrest farmers invited to new series of networking events which aim to strengthen the community
Farmers in the Southern Forest's will be able to attend a new series of networking events which aim to strengthen the farming community through knowledge-sharing, innovation and a touch of humour. The Southern Forests Food Council have announced the next chapter of its Farmer Resilience Networking Series — a program backed by the Synergy Community Giving Fund and the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development. A lineup of events will be on offer which feature international leaders in farm nutrition, local agriculture champions, hands-on tech demonstrations, and even some of Australia's top comedians. The events will equip farmers with practical tools and new ideas to tackle real-world challenges such as water security, soil health, climate resilience, mental well-being and carbon management. SFFC executive chair Arthur Wilson said farmers were the 'backbone' on the Warren-Blackwood region. 'This initiative is about more than just farming techniques — it's about supporting the people who keep our food systems strong and helping them thrive in a world that's rapidly changing. 'We're grateful to Synergy for recognising the importance of farmer well-being and resilience. It's encouraging to see support from outside the industry to get behind initiatives that make a real difference,' Dr Wilson said. Dr Wilson said the SFFC had been working closely with it's members to ensure the program addressed the evolving concerns of the community. 'Grower outreach is critical,' he said. 'We want to deliver information that's not just relevant but meaningful — ensuring we're addressing what matters most, rather than dictating what we think people need.' Upcoming events in the series include a carbon calculator pilot program running from June to August, a comedy night on July 4, a nutrient-dense food production workshop on September 22 and 23, and a DIY fertiliser and soil health workshop also in September.
West Australian
06-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Southern Forests Food Council offers latest events in Farmer Resilience series
Building resilience to address the challenges of modern farming is at the forefront of the latest networking series in the southern forests. The Southern Forests Food Council will hold events during winter for its members, with the Carbon Calculator Pilot Program running from May to June, and a Comedy Night on July 4. SSFC executive chair Arthur Wilson said the initiative supported farmers' resilience, fostered innovation and created networks to enable them to thrive in a changing world. 'Our farmers are at the heart of our community and our industry,' Mr Wilson said. 'Grower outreach is critical.' The series is designed to address the challenges of modern farming and focuses on key areas such as water security, climate resilience, soil health, mental well-being and carbon management. A Nutrient-Dense Food Production event with Dan Kittredge will run on September 22 and 23, with On-Farm DIY Fertiliser and Soil Health events planned for the same month. 'We want to deliver information that's not just relevant but meaningful, ensuring we're addressing what matters most, rather than dictating what we think people need,' Mr Wilson said. For more information on the Farmer Resilience Networking Series or to register for an event, visit .
