- $2 million campaign to diversify farmers' incomes
- Henderson Park near Rockhampton has embraced agritourism since the 90s
The Queensland Government has announced a $2 million campaign it says will allow tourist to taste farm life.
The funding for this program falls under the Queensland Government’s Economic Recovery Plan and is designed to diversify farmer’s income.
Mark Furner, the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, said the campaign encourages tourists to try the unique option when going through their holiday destination menus.
“Queensland’s handling of the COVID threat means there are opportunities for tourists to explore more of our great state and experience innovative and unique offerings from agricultural businesses that have diversified into agritourism,” Mr Furner said.
“Many agribusinesses offer a variety of food and farm experiences including farm gate sales, food and wine sampling, farmer’s markets, pick-your-own fruit and veggie experiences, farm stays, and food and farm festivals and events.
“These exciting and memorable holiday adventures are often within easy driving distance of coastal communities and the time has never been better for people to get a real taste of where their food comes from.”
Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industries
The fifth-generation owners of Henderson Park, Ryan and Annika Anderson, said their property, located about 30 minutes from Rockhampton, had generated income from agritourism.
Mrs Anderson said her parents branched out to agritourism during the 1990s when their cattle business was impacted by the drought.
“The drought was the impetus for our family-owned commercial beef cattle property to add a secluded accommodation and function venue,” Mrs Anderson said.
“Agritourism has been a gift that allows us to share our stories with our guests that we would otherwise have not had the opportunity to get to know and that we now call friends.”
“Our guests also get the opportunity to experience our unique lifestyle, and the fantastic bits that go with it – stunning sunrises and sunsets, campfires, flora and fauna and the great outdoors – nature’s gifts.”
Annika Anderson, Henderson Park owner
