General news

From the NSW Department of Primary Industries The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is undertaking a three year mapping program across nine regions in NSW commencing in August 2017 to assist local government and other organisations map important agricultural land. The program supports the NSW Department of Planning and Environment's regional planning targets that … Continue reading NSW Department of Primary Industries mapping important agricultural land

From the NSW Food Authority From 1 July 2018, local councils will regulate all domestic kitchens where food that will be sold directly to the final consumer is prepared. The NSW Food Authority will continue to regulate domestic kitchens that only sell food to other businesses, such as cafés, restaurants and supermarkets. When a food … Continue reading Change in regulations for home based food businesses from 1 July 2018

[Image of the Bega Valley showground pavilion sourced from the Bega Valley History Scrapbook and published here under Creative Commons licence.] Is your market conducted at your local showgound on Crown land? Then it's in your best interest to participate in the consultation process just announced by the NSW Department of Industry. Showgrounds are precious … Continue reading NSW Crown Showgrounds: survey and focus groups

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission's new information standard around claims of free range eggs took effect on 26th April 2018. While opinions differ on what a hen needs to truly range freely, "free range" is defined by the ACCC as a maximum of 10,000 birds per hectare, or one bird per square metre of … Continue reading Free range egg claims: new laws come into effect

Back in 2016, the Australian government introduced new requirements for labelling almost all food with Country of Origin information. On 1 July 2018, these requirements become mandatory for all food retailers, including stall holders at farmers markets. There are very few exceptions: alcoholic beverages, tea & coffee, biscuits, seasonings, confectionery and snack foods. Ready-to-eat vendors … Continue reading New Country of Origin labelling requirements mandatory from 1 July 2018

After more than a year of planning, a new state-based organisation has launched to represent genuine farmers markets in New South Wales and is calling for membership. Recognised by the Australian Farmers' Markets Association, the new Farmers Markets Alliance of NSW will work to raise public awareness of what makes an authentic farmers market, ensuring … Continue reading Farmers markets in NSW unite to support our farmers