What do you do when your community’s agricultural and economic foundation is almost destroyed during a decade of drought and industry deregulation? During the 1990s and early 2000 this is what happened to the dairying base of Beechmont, Canungra and the Scenic Rim region and we now have just a handful of dairy farmers keeping their farms alive and functioning. It takes collaboration, vision, energy and careful planning to revitalise a region’s farming and food production capacity in ways that proactively protect our soils, forests and waterways; build the livelihoods of farmers and food producers; and nourish local communities.

Zest Fest focuses on ‘local food for local folks’ and wherever possible we are showcasing fresh, locally grown and produced food from Beechmont, Canungra and the Scenic Rim region. For this reason, Zest is part of Eat Local Week (download the program) between June 24 and 30 in the Scenic Rim. Zest Local Food Coordinator is Mark Pickard from Canungra who is a Permaculturalist with a strong belief in the need to develop vibrant and sustainable local rural communities.

Zest Fest supports local food in many ways on June 26:

At 10.05am we begin with local foodie Bonnie McKay’s first citrus cooking demonstration and samples (lemon risotto and lime and mascopone tarts).

At 11.25am Zest is proud to introduce local horticulturalist Ken Hartley and his “Growing Citrus” presentation.

At 1.40pm Bonnie returns with a second citrus cooking demonstration and samples (lemon slice and orange and fennel salad).

The Zest market operates all day and you’ll find a delicious array of fresh local and regional food, snacks and takeaway food and even a display of home-based Aquaponics...

• Raw and Peace – raw food www.rawandpeace.com.au with Ames and Daniel
• Totally Nuts – activated organic nuts (pecans, brazil, walnuts) with Peter McConnell: www.totallynutsonline.com.au
• Greenlee Farm Macadamias – macadamia nuts and nut products
• Domestic Aquaponics – a complete, sustainable food system for backyards and balconies with Somerton Creatives (David and Sara): www.somertoncreatives.com.au
• Organic limes and other citrus fruit samples and sales from Beechmont orchards
• Freshly made coffees and hot drinks with Boonah Coffee Nut
• Freshly made pies and hot food from Laurel Cottage Beechmont (citrus & tarragon chicken pies, rosemary & lemon pork pies, beef with orange and horseradish pies): www.laurelcottage.com.au
• Home-made fresh lemonade from Beechmont State School P&C
• Home-made citrus cordials, jams, baked goods and citrus fruit with Karen White
• Sausage sizzle and cold drinks with Mountain Mates (Beechmont State School Before & After School Care)

Zest Local Food Coordinator is also helping to create the Canungra/Beechmont Growers Group. For more information contact Mark at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Zest Fest thanks Scenic Rim Regional Council for its support through Eat Local Week 2001: Download the Eat Local Week Flyer