A VALUE-ADDING seminar for primary producers will be held at the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr on May 15 in an effort to boost the region’s economic base.
Burdekin Shire Council Economic Development Manager Adrian Scott said value-adding was the manufacturing processes that increased the value of existing primary agricultural commodities and was a significant rural development strategy.
“Opportunities exist in our shire to further value add to existing crops and there are companies in the Burdekin right now value-adding to our primary resources,” Mr Scott said.
“Value-adding could mean organic produce, identity preserved grains, non-traditional crop production, bio-fuels and agri-tourism,” he said.
“We will have a number of speakers from a wide variety of organisations who are value-adding to our industry right now or have plans to value-add.”
Mr Scott said the Rabobank Burdekin Value-adding Seminar was an opportunity for Burdekin farmers and other interested parties to explore how they could value-add to their product.
“We have a wide range of speakers lined up for the seminar including representatives from Rabobank, SunRice, Wilmar and Blue Ribbon Grains and Pulses,” he said.
“Our master of ceremonies will be Moore Stephens Queensland principal and Burdekin Economic Development Strategic Advisory Board Chairman Danny Horan.
“There are also opportunities for exhibitors to promote their businesses to attendees in the foyer and theatre forecourt.
“The registration forms are on Council’s website, so just download, complete and return to Council to secure your seat.”
Interested exhibitors should contact Eliza Lovell on 4783 9800.
The Value-Adding Seminar will be held from 8.30am-4pm.
Registrations forms can be downloaded at www.burdekin.qld.gov.au