Connecting Producers and Visitors to Food
Local produce, with food experiences to match, are the staple of the Nourish program at this year’s Norco Primex Fields Days in Lismore.
The program showcases the connection between Northern Rivers farming, food and rural communities with regional produce on show and used for chef demonstrations and tasting plates. Held in the Paddock to Plate Pavilion at the Lismore Showgrounds, Nourish allows farmers, producers and the public to connect and network through food.
Thermomix team leader Gemma McQueen will again host discussions with local producers and cook, using as much locally-sourced ingredients as possible.
“The best part that came out of last year was how people want to shop and support locally-grown but get confused when they get to the supermarket because it’s overwhelming with options,“ Gemma said.
“Nourish helps educate how to support local farmers, knowing which milk to pick that supports the local farmers, educating people where to spend their money. That’s my passion project.
“Bruce (Wright) is on the right track with bringing people together than can talk and build relationships so there’s a two-way conversation, not only about what people want to buy but also what the farmers want us to buy.”
The interactive talks, tastings and cooking demonstrations over the three days of the Nourish program also add to the family-friendly atmosphere at Norco Primex, Gemma noted.
A special Northern Rivers Plate of Origin event at Nourish this year aims to strength connections across the Northern Rivers agrifood sector, bringing together producers, industry leaders, and government representatives in a Friday afternoon session at Primex.
The Plate of Origin event, hosted by Yamba Farmers & Producers Market, Clarence Valley Food Inc, and NSW Farmers Grafton Branch, will focus on reconnecting the region’s diverse food and agriculture industries while highlighting opportunities for collaboration, resilience, and growth.
This Friday afternoon gathering under the Nourish umbrella provides an opportunity to bring stakeholders together to better understand emerging government initiatives, regional planning frameworks and industry support programs. It is not a formal conference or policy forum but designed as a practical opportunity for participants to connect, share insights, and strengthen the region’s collective voice.
Yamba Farmers & Producers Market Co-ordinator Debrah Novak said: “Our region produces extraordinary food, but too often our producers are working in silos. The Northern Rivers Plate of Origin is about bringing people together to build connections and celebrating the strength of our regional food community.”
The Northern Rivers remains one of Australia’s most significant food-producing regions, contributing more than $3 billion in agrifood output. However, many producers and businesses continue to operate in isolation, while facing increasing pressures from climate impacts, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages and rising costs.
Clarence Valley Food Inc Vice President Geoff Jones added: “There is a lot happening across government and industry that can directly benefit producers and food businesses but not everyone is hearing about it. This Primex event is about closing that gap and making sure our region is informed, connected, and ready to take advantage of new opportunities.”
To register interest in the Plate of Origin event email [email protected] or call 0499 888 905.
VIEW MORE ABOUT PRIMEX NOURISH
PRIMEX 2026
Lismore Showgrounds
May 21-23 2026
Opening Times:
Thursday, May 21| 9am to 4pm
Friday, May 22 | 9am to 6.30pm
Saturday, May 23 | 9am to 4pm
More information: www.primex.net.au
