Farm Gate Produce Area celebrates a feast of the senses

Visitors to Henty’s Farm Gate Produce Area will be able to indulge in a feast of the senses with an array of regional produce to see, smell and taste.

From cocktails to chipolata sausage, spices to salami, wines to whiskey, and gin to gluten free paella, Farm Gate Produce Area offers visitors the opportunity to buy, taste and share local foods and drinks.

Featuring a host of regional exhibitors, the Farm Gate Produce Area is located on the southern edge of the field day site and has a busy program of demonstrations and talks by presenters.

Ancient traditions and modern science blending to reveal the power of plants will be the focus of presentations in the Farm Gate Produce Area from proud Wiradjuri woman and naturopath Felicity Kerslake.

A range of bush foods and medicinal plants will be on display for visitors to experience and explore their use at home.

And visitors can join fungi enthusiast Tracie MacVean to hear about the diversity and curiosities of the fungi kingdom. 

Learn about the anatomy of fungi, the basics of how to identify fungi and common edible, medicinal and toxic mushrooms.

Also among the exhibitors is the Long Track Pantry, with their award-winning preserves, jams, chutneys, relish and marmalade, Corowa distillery with presentations on their core range of whiskeys and a masterclass will be given by vigneron Damian Cofield, Cofield Wines, Rutherglen. 

Nathan Carter, Trufficulture, will be speaking on growing and harvesting truffles, how to use them in recipes and will have inoculated oak trees to sell. 

New to Farm Gate this year is Kiwi Artisan, which grew from a simple market stall in Central Otago, New Zealand, off the back of the Covid pandemic and developed into an online business. 

Kiwi Artisan produces high quality, locally made goods to bring a touch of unique flavour and foster the talented artisan presence within New Zealand. Produce includes olives, black truffle oil and sea salt, with all products crafted by hand, gluten free and all natural ingredients. 

Emerging Riverina icon, the Whitton Malt House, is back again this year showcasing their unique tourist venture and regional produce based in the cotton fields of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. 

Adding to the atmosphere will be talented regional musicians, Happy Hour, on the outdoor sound stage, the perfect spot to relax with a plate of delicious food.

Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering is excited about taking part in an event that celebrates this region and its produce.

Ms Mannering said the Farm Gate Produce Area was all about showcasing local product, businesses and expertise.

“it’s great to be working at Farm Gate as it lines up with my values as a champion of local produce for the past 20 years.

“We have so many talented people in the region and Farm Gate will bring us together to celebrate our beautiful produce.”

This year’s exhibitors include red, white and sparkling wines, spirits, cider, cocktails, coffee, small goods, condiments, preserves, confectionary, spices, gluten free paella and award-winning gluten free peanut brittle made in Bendigo. 

The Farm Gate market has consistently aimed to showcase produce primarily grown and value added in southern NSW and northern Victoria.

There will be daily give aways of 10 vouchers valued at $10 for spending on the day at Farm Gate. 

Check out HMFD’s Facebook for more detailed timing of demonstrations closer to the event.