Not only has Clarence Valley cattle producer Geoff Jones had to source local beef and pork for his Scottish inspired sausages, he has also had find a secret blend of hand crafted Scottish herbs and spices to authenticate the traditional culinary delights he is making for next weeks National Ag Day event. The free sausage sizzle is just one of many food experiences organised by Clarence Valley Food Inc (CVFi) and the Yamba Farmers and Producers Market next Wednesday for National Ag Day. Vice chairman of CVFi Mr Jones said we have some great things planned for next Wednesday. “Along with the Arrawarra Bush Cafe who will have kangaroo and crocodile on the menu we also have 50 other stalls where the majority are either a local or regional farmer showcasing their produce for consumers to buy. The Clarence Valley’s agriculture pillars Sunshine Sugar, Big River Milk and Big River Beef will be on show at the market too” Mr Jones said. The National Farmers Federation reports 85% of consumers don’t know where their food is grown or comes from and National AG DAY is an opportunity for the wider community to reconnect with, value and get to know their farmers all over again. Mr Jones said the Clarence Valley Agri-food economy were the unsung economic heroes of the Clarence Valley and NSW North Coast. Our primary producers are the quiet achievers who employ over 1200 people, have over 1000 registered businesses and have a gross regional product (GRP) value of $2,748 billion annually. The agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture industries are in it for the long haul and have been the face of the Clarence Valley economy for over 175 years”. Following on from the farmers and producers market at Yamba there will be three free agri-food related workshops at the Maclean CWA starting at 2pm. Northern Rivers Food will be hosting a two hour harvest trail workshop between 2-4pm for those businesses and farms who would like to participate in next years food trail. Between 5-6pm Clarence Valley agri-food businesses are encouraged to attend or register their interest in forming a Clarence Valley Food Alliance to strengthen and provide a united voice for the agri-food economy. This group will also look at developing a range of unique Clarence Valley branding and provenance visual assets for promotion of our region in the Agri-Tourism economy. And between 7pm and 8pm we have a Agri-Food Q&A Panel with a guest speaker from the Sydney Food Markets and local small business specialists Daniel Spears (Accounting), Cara Austen (Legal) and Fiona Leviny (Advocacy) to finish off the night. All workshops are free. For booking or enquiries ring M:0402 404 606 www.yambafarmersandproducersmarket.com