Congratulations to the 12 primary producers from around Queensland for securing parts of the Queensland Agritourism Grants Program. Special congratulations to Canefields Distillery and Country Living Workshops by Mustard Seed Services, the South East Queensland representatives in the lineup.

Now more than ever, Queenslanders and out-of-state visitors alike are slowing down and connecting to the country and local products that we consume. Agritourism is a rapidly growing sector that presents an opportunity for farmers and producers to diversify their businesses and make use of spare capacity and underutilised resources.

In South East Queensland, we saw Canefields Distillery and Country Living Workshops by Mustard Seed Services be granted a part of the Queensland Agritourism Grants Program by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and the Queensland Government. Here’s a look at these enterprising farms:

Canefields Distillery

Canefields Distillery is the side project of a family-run multi-generational sugar cane farm in the Sunshine Coast, which has been farming this land as far back as 1912.

Here the delightfully named “little rum plants” will be crushed, juiced, and distilled into rum and other spirits when harvested, keeping production local and sustainable.

The distillery will also boast an event space including chesterfields and a copper still – an awesome venue for team-building events and family functions alike.

Follow the progress of Canefields Distillery on Instagram @canefields.distillery to find out when you can plan your next visit.

Mustard Seed Services

Mustard Seed Services was the brainchild of a multi-generational cattle and dairy farming household in Barney View, Scenic Rim. Parents of three and full-time farmers Nicole and Peter Klan helm this multifaceted business that provides the local community with different trade services and experienced country living knowledge.

Nicole and Peter accumulated a treasure trove of generational knowledge and a whole lot of trial-and-error know-how that they have been sharing with their local community for years. Now they are opening their Country Living Workshops to the general public for anyone interested in experiencing a slice of farm life on a working farm. 

These workshops aim to connect people and build community through hands-on workshops that empower attendees to take providing for their families into their own hands. Learn the skills to:

• Be resilient to changing food logistics.
• Be empowered to work with what you have around you to provide for your family.
• Become more community-minded with your choices and connect with your neighbours.
• Get started living in the country, or bring some country habits into your bustling city life.

The Country Living Workshops are launching in March – keep your eyes peeled for their emerging online presence or contact them here.

Source: Instagram page “@Canefields.Distillery”, phone interview “call with mustard seed services – 26/01/2023”, media release “More farming businesses score agritourism diversification grants” from Queensland Government.