FARMING innovators will “march” to Rutherglen later this month for a rural summit.
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Titled Ideas on the March — Rural people creating a stronger future together, the summit will be held at All Saints Estate at Rutherglen on Wednesday and Thursday, March 23 and 24.
The summit will be a chance for local agribusinesses to showcase what they do and share advice to a wider and receptive audience.
Speakers will include All Saints Estate director Eliza Brown, Beechworth Honey director Jodie Goldsworthy, the Winton Wetlands committee of management and Black Worms director Mal Davidson.
Another business to be involved is Baker Seed Co at Lilliput, just out of Rutherglen.
It’s been a busy season for Baker Seed Co but general manager Ashley Fraser said he was pleased to be involved.
On the afternoon of day one of the event conference delegates can choose to visit Baker Seed Co or alternatively All Saints Estate, Gooramadda Olives, Renaissance Chocolates or Brimin Lodge.
Mr Fraser said what visitors would see on the day would depend on what’s happening.
However, he said, it would be a good chance to showcase what the business does and what it has achieved.
“Baker Seed Co started in 1972 but there’s been a considerable growth phase over the past 12 years,” he said.
Mr Fraser said the forum would be good for agriculture in the area and showed that there was more to the Rutherglen region than wine.
“This is our busiest time of year getting seed ready for planting,” he said.
“There is an increase in demand due to weather damage.”
He said many farmers had used the circumstances to update their varieties.
The rural summit is being hosted by the Indigo Shire Council in partnership with Rural Councils Victoria and aims to attract all people interested in the future of rural communities.
It is designed and priced to be accessible to community members.
The main themes of the summit are: Creating global enterprises in rural towns; embracing the changing face of agribusiness and improving opportunities for rural young people.
As well as guest speakers and workshops, the summit features local business and industry tours and group discussions to promote local action.
The summit dinner will be a further opportunity for people to network.
It features musicians Paris & Co, who recently performed for Oprah Winfrey.
Ticket prices include all meals and are $170 for full registration and $80 for students.
Buses will be available in Rutherglen to transport guests to and from their accommodation to the formal dinner.
Visit indigoshire.vic.gov.au/services/rural_summit for more information.