‘Grow your own and rediscover the flavour’ is the theme for this year’s Balingup Small Farm Field Day and the Department of Agriculture and Food display will have plenty of information on just that.
A feature will be the newly launched Horticulture Handbook, a reference guide for establishing horticulture enterprises in Western Australia.
Small Landholder Information Service (SLIS) Manager Jodie Whitfield said the Horticulture Handbook includes a helpful checklist and sections on key issues and considerations to assist business in getting a new horticultural enterprise off the ground.
“Many small landholdings have the capability to produce crops such as fruit and vegetables and this guide provides a practical starting point for anyone considering developing a business,” she said.
Department officers will be on hand to demonstrate how to make the most of a small property with free advice and information on managing Mediterranean fruit fly, livestock and small business.
“There will also be an opportunity to learn more about jujubes, a small but expanding industry in Western Australia,” Ms Whitfield said.
“The tree is well suited to the South West and has a lower water requirement and higher salt tolerance than most fruit crops.
“The fruit has multiple uses and can be eaten fresh or dried and can be processed into jams, wine or used in baking.
“People can also sign up to receive our free SLIS e-newsletter detailing coming events and vital seasonal and land management information.”
There will be free activities to keep children occupied while adults can peruse a range of information available and chat to staff at the department display.
Children can also hand in their completed Agricultural Discovery Trail booklets and receive a prize for learning more about where food comes from and completing the trail.
“The trail aims to encourage primary school students to visit and explore the agricultural exhibits at the field day with their family. Free entry is provided by the State Government for children aged 16 and under, when accompanied by a parent and free trail booklets will be provided at the gate,” Ms Whitfield said.
The Department of Agriculture and Food display is located on Olive Grove at the Balingup Small Farm Field Day on Saturday 26 April.
For up-to-date information and tips for managing your small property, ‘like’ the Small Landholder Information Service on Facebook at facebook.com/DAFWAsmalllandholders or contact the SLIS team at smalllandholder@agric.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Dionne Tindale, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937