Farming ChampionsIn an era dominated by globalised supply chains and mass production, there’s a growing movement towards supporting local producers. At Farmer On Your Plate, we promote this choice to support family farmers, reconnect to the roots of our food system, and celebrate the quality and flavour of good local food. Here’s how you can champion local producers.
Where to Shop: Explore farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, pick your own experiences, local grocery stores, and smaller supermarkets that prioritise stocking local products and fresh produce. Consumers don’t need to confine themselves to the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths—by venturing to multiple smaller supermarkets, individual butcher shops, bakeries, fishmongers, and fruit and vegetable markets, you can access a diverse array of locally sourced goods that are in season. This presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with each shopkeeper, build relationships, and gain insights into the origins of their products. By opting for locally grown produce, you’re not only enjoying fresher, tastier ingredients but also reducing your carbon footprint by minimising transportation distances. An easy way to check while in stores is to read the label and look for the Buy West Eat Best logo to know if your food is coming from WA first. Remember that buying Australian first protects our farmers. For a suggested list of vendors and producers, check out our Business Directory page here. We’d love to make this list even longer so email us your suggestions.
- Locavore Northern Valleys – fresh food boxes pick-up in Bindoon or have it delivered to your home from Swan Valley to Jurien Bay.
- Matters of taste – butchers choice meat boxes including Lake Janis meat. Pick up from the store in Bicton or delivery available to selected metro suburbs.
- Glavocich produce boxes – Farmer’s choice boxes or build your own, delivering to Perth’s Southern and Northern suburbs as well as Kalgoorlie.
- Midway Farm Stall – local meat delivered right to your door: half and whole lamb pre-cut and packaged meat boxes. Pick up from the store in West Pinjarra or have it delivered to your Perth home.
- Caraholly Orchard – Mixed seasonal fruit and veg boxes available for collection from local produce markets plus various delivery runs to selected towns. Check their latest post on Instagram to be updated on their current offerings.
For products other than food you can look for the Australian Made logo or use their website to search for preferred Aussie suppliers.
Where to Dine: Seek out restaurants and eateries that showcase regional cuisine and feature seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. Many establishments pride themselves on supporting local suppliers and incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their menus. This is evident when a menu lists an ingredient’s provenance, i.e. Mt Barker Chicken roasted with Manjimup truffles, etc. By dining at these establishments, you can know that you are enjoying the freshest ingredients while also supporting the local economy and celebrating the unique flavours of your state. If your menu doesn’t say where the ingredients are from, be inquisitive, and ask the staff to find out from the chefs.
Where to Listen/Engage: Attend agricultural fairs, food festivals, and educational workshops organised by farming organisations and community groups. Farmer On Your Plate coming up on 26 October is a great one to start with! Engage with local producers, learn about their practices, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector. By actively participating in these events, you’re fostering connections and deepening your appreciation for the journey from farm to plate. Tune in to 6PR every fortnight when WA Food Ambassador and Chef, Don Hancey talks about food, including what’s hot in Perth, hidden gems, and what’s in season. Shows like Destination WA and Our State on a Plate explore many WA based regions and businesses that showcase our wonderful state. Search your podcast apps for agricultural updates, some we like are Australian Farmers – Telling Our Story and All the Dirt – All The Dirt Gardening Sustainability Food | Podcast on Spotify.
How to Educate Yourself and Others: Take advantage of resources such as documentaries, books, and online platforms that highlight the importance of supporting local producers and sustainable farming practices. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues, advocating for conscious consumer choices and encouraging others to embrace the values of community-based agriculture. Publications such as Menu Magazine and RAC Horizons magazine regularly profile WA businesses. Signing up for small business newsletters is also a great way to show your support and keep up to date with what’s going on in rural communities you may not normally hear in mainstream news. Get started with Newsletter – Facey Group.
Advocating for Farmers and Local Produce: Join advocacy campaigns, sign petitions, and support policies that promote fair compensation for farmers, protect agricultural land, and incentivise sustainable farming practices. Start by showing your support for the Keep the Sheep live export campaign. By amplifying the voices of farmers and advocating for policies that prioritise local food systems, you’re contributing to the resilience and vibrancy of rural communities.
Embracing the ethos of supporting local producers isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a powerful catalyst for positive change. By prioritising locally sourced ingredients, dining at neighbourhood eateries, and actively engaging with the agricultural community, you’re nurturing a more resilient, sustainable food system that nourishes both body and soul. If you have any additional recommendations we should check out, send us an email at info@farmingchampions.org.au
