MEDIA RELEASE Forth vegetable grower interim chair of new North West Producers’ Network
Monday, June 8, 2009
Forth vegetable producer, Michael Badcock, whose own business grows about ten different crops, has been elected interim Chairman of the recently formed North West Producer’s Network. Voted in by a tenstrong planning committee at the Network’s first meeting, Mr Badcock, Managing Director of Enchanted Isle Farms, said the group would now enter an intense planning period in order to agree on the Producer Network’s direction and functions. The Network concept came about from a local desire to highlight the strong link between food and beverage production excellence and high quality eating establishments with visitor attraction to the North West. Cradle Coast Authority’s Regional Tourism Development Manager Ian Waller said the planning session would be held in two to three weeks and would include the planning committee and invited participants with diverse skills and backgrounds. He said that although the Producer Network would continue to be supported by the Authority during the planning phase, it was clear it needed to investigate funding opportunities to employ a project officer to ensure challenges were met. Mr Waller said the planning session would include the following items for discussion: 1• roles and responsibilities; 2• objectives; 3• structure; 4• strategies to ensure strengthened relationships between growers, producers and the tourism sector; 5• funding opportunities; and 6• marketing and promotion options. Producer Network’s Planning Committee includes: Michael Badcock, Peter Murdon, Angela Marshall, Jan Bonde, Lea Coates, Kim Robinson, Carolyn Nichols, Michael Hart, Janelle Allison and Ian Waller. *** Ian Waller and Michael Badcock are available for interview today, the Queen’s Birthday public holiday, Monday June 8, on the below mobile phone number details: Regional Tourism Development Manager Ian Waller 0419 372400 Interim Chairman – North West Producer’s Network Michael Badcock 0438 282439 Cradle Coast Authority Website: www.cradlecoast.com Phone: 03 64316285