The Sunshine Coast Council-supported Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) is assisting food and agribusiness operators and creating local jobs.
The membership-based, not-for-profit company was established in December 2015 to support food and agribusiness operators in the greater Sunshine Coast region – from Moreton Bay to Gympie.
Last month the network held an ‘embracing innovation’ event at the University of Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre.
FAN Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Gourmet Garden, Andrew Eves-Brown said, “The aim of this event is to enable local food and agribusiness operators to hear from the experts leading the way in innovation on the Sunshine Coast and learn from their perspective on solving problems and breaking new ground in business.
“FAN events are designed to promote an exchange of skills and knowledge within the food and agribusiness sector with a view to helping local operators grow their business sustainably.”
Sunshine Coast Council Chief Executive Officer Michael Whittaker said FAN would be a major help to producers and growers in the Food and Agribusiness sector – one of seven high-value industries identified in the Regional Economic Development Plan (REDS).
“The REDS Food and Agribusiness Taskforce identified an opportunity to form a leadership group to improve communication and collaboration in agribusiness in the greater Sunshine Coast area,” Mr Whittaker said.
“Through the leadership of Andrew Eves-Brown, the FAN is now in a position to provide a wealth of information and connections to help local operators and the industry to grow and create more jobs and success stories on the Sunshine Coast.”