#eatqld champions recently came together to celebrate local produce and our great state ahead of Queensland Day on Sunday, June 6.
The #eatqld campaign encourages the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state’s agricultural sector. Since launching, a range of outstanding champions have been named, recognising their contributions to producing and promoting Queensland’s locally grown produce.
On Friday, June 4, a group of #eatqld champions and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) joined forces to showcase their produce and skills at the #eatqld long lunch held at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in the Scenic Rim. The lunch celebrated the #eatqld champions and amazing locally grown produce Queensland has to offer.
The long lunch was a chance for the #eatqld champions and guests to come together on the Tommerup’s picturesque sixth generation dairy farm in Kerry and showcase their locally grown produce and collaborate with their peers from around Queensland.
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm’s artisan dairy products, Nolan’s Meats, LiCK Ice Cream, Bee All Natural Honey, Clovely Estate wines, Summer Land Camels dairy products, Brisbane Valley Quail, Tamborine Mountain Distillery and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks featured on the menu, with florals on display from Scenic Rim Flower Farm, showcasing what Queensland producers have to offer.
The menu was curated and executed by renowned Queensland chef and fellow #eatqld champion David Pugh, who swapped his usual role as Executive Chef at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), for a kitchen looking out at the natural beauty and rustic charm of the Scenic Rim.
QFF CEO Dr Georgina Davis, who collaborated with Tommerup’s Dairy Farm and the #eatqld campaign, said it was chance to celebrate and recognise the producers who are integral to our state’s strong agricultural sector.
“Queensland Day is an opportunity to celebrate the state’s culture, heritage, people, places and industry. We encouraging people to shop locally, to support our agricultural sector,” Dr Davis said.
“These #eatqld champions are not only amazing advocates for their own businesses but also for their regions and for the whole state.
“With so many farmers contending with challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input costs and a protracted drought, there’s never been a better time to stand with our farming communities and shop locally and #eatqld this Sunday and every day!”
Kay and Dave Tommerup enjoyed welcoming everyone to their dairy farm for the #eatqld lunch.
“The long lunch is not only a chance for #eatqld champions to come together on our farm and showcase their produce but to collaborate and network with other farmers,” #eatqld champion Kay Tommerup said.
“We are strong believers in working with other producers and businesses to help strengthen our agricultural industry, promote agritourism and educate Queenslanders on where their food comes from.”
The #eatqld champions featured at the #eatqld lunch include:
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Scenic Rim
Bee All Natural Honey, Jimboomba
Clovely Estate wines, South Burnett
Nolan’s Meats, Gympie
LiCK Ice Cream, Brisbane
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Bundaberg
And other local producers:
Summer Land Camels dairy products, Scenic Rim
Brisbane Valley Quail, Somerset
Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Scenic Rim
Scenic Rim Flower Farm, Scenic Rim
Show your support for Queensland farmers and share your recipes, dishes and fresh produce using #eatqld.