New Partnership to Benefit Tasmania’s Small Producers

Huon Aquaculture and Federal Group will partner with Sprout Tasmania to help small and
start up producers get their ideas into the ground, growing and to market.

Sprout Tasmania is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation that has been connecting
consumers to Tasmania’s ethically grown produce since 2011.

General Manager, Jennifer Robinson, says it is fantastic to see large Tasmanian
organisations providing support to small ones.

“Small producers are the back bone of Tasmania’s innovative and pure produce industry,
and many of them rely on the advice, education, support and advocacy that Sprout provides
through initiatives such as the Sprout Producers Program, online farmers market Fork to
Fork, Dining Series events and annual Cross Pollinate conference.”

Frances Bender, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Huon Aquaculture, said, “Huon
Aquaculture started 30 years ago as a small fish-farming business with one employee and a
dinghy, trying to navigate the many challenges of becoming established and getting a
product on shelves and into shopping baskets.”

“We know how important it can be for small producers to gain access to the type of support
and mentoring that Sprout delivers so if I can offer some unsolicited advice – if there is help,
take it.”

Matt Casey, General Manager of Federal Group Tourism, says partnering with Sprout
Tasmania will provide an opportunity to build relationships between small producers and the
kitchen teams from venues that include Saffire-Freycinet, Landscape Restaurant and Grill,
Peacock and Jones and the new Old Wharf Restaurant in Macq01.

“Our food and beverage teams consistently look for new and exciting produce to showcase
Tasmania’s foodscape and Sprout helps small and start-up producers create long term
relationships with the Tasmanian Hospitality Industry.”

Sprout’s September Dining Series event will pair chefs from the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery with
Derwent Valley producer Big River Highland Beef to create a delicious local meal and
discuss their stories. Tickets are available to purchase from www.sprout.org.au.
Sprout Tasmania, General Manager, Jennifer Robinson