Wodonga-based chef Michael Flemming said he wanted to highlight the role of the border's small producers, who had been impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

He said he hoped the popup lunch would inspire people to shop locally.

"The idea of the project is to showcase what local farms have on offer and to encourage people to support these local farmers in these times as a lot of them have taken a hit from COVID-19," he said.

Flemming, who is a sous chef at Birallee Tavern in Wodonga, said he would feature free-range pork, grass-fed beef, berries and honey in the 12-course tasting menu.

He said he would work with producers such as Willowbank Farms in South Albury and Bunyip Hollow in Wodonga.

"I worked in Toowoomba with a chef who held degustations once a month to feature a local grower," Flemming said.

"I thought it was something that would work here especially with how hard it has been for farmers and small producers at the moment.

"We have such amazing produce grown right on our doorsteps and I'm a strong believer in supporting these farmers and helping them gain business so they are around for the next generation and our region can maintain the produce that makes this such a great place to live in Australia."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The popup lunch will run at South Cali Cantina on Sunday, October 25, from 10.30am.

Limited to 30 diners, bookings are now open via tea_popup@yahoo.com.

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