The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative. The investment was part of a $7 million Royalties for Regions allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised food producing region.

The vision of the Food Council is to build the region’s reputation for quality food.

The Food Council acts as a single point of contact for over 100 growers, producing over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, beef, sheep, dairy, pork, wine and gourmet products, including truffle. This array of produce is unified under one regional brand, Genuinely Southern Forests Western Australia.

SW WA Adoption and Innovation Hub - Regional Node Leader, Regional Arts Accelerator Project - Food and Art Tours, Metro Retail Marketing Campaign with Gilbert's Fresh Market

Establishment of the Genuinely Southern Forests brand. Numerous retail marketing campaigns featuring up to 25 greengrocer partners. Research missions on new crop types for the region such as Gold Kiwifruit and Feijoa. Launching a program of agritours that have introduced up to 25 farming businesses to agritourism opportunities. Collaborating with Food Agility CRC on the On Farm Water Demand Project

Mercer Mooney, getFresh merchants, Shire of Manjimup