Hong Kong consumers will get a taste of the Southern Forests with a shipment of Granny Smith apples scheduled to arrive following dispatch from Manjimup via Fremantle this morning.

The 40 foot container holds 1200 Genuinely Southern Forests branded cartons, with majority of the 90,000 apples also carrying the Genuinely Southern Forests labels, a key selling point to the order request.

Executive Chairman of the Southern Forests Food Council Bevan Eatts said the Food Council, and in particular John Kilrain, had worked extremely hard with its members to consolidate the order request with a number of growers supplying fruit of all sizes.

“We have been undertaking export development discussions for the past couple of years and through our export partnership with Allstates Farms coming to fruition, the Food Council now has the ability to export a variety of Southern Forests produce, including these apples, to international markets.”

The Southern Forests provides 50% of Western Australia's total apple production. With domestic apple pricing this season at an unsustainable price point for growers, the shipment is a significant achievement for the region.

“This order should give growers confidence in the fact that export opportunities do exist. The Food Council is in the unique position to have the ability to work with buyer requests as they are presented, and our partnership with Allstates Farms provides the avenue to supply these requests.” said Mr Eatts.

The Southern Forests region includes the towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole resulting in an extensive range of over 50 fruits and vegetables grown by member producers with variety of produce including apples, avocados, brassica, stone fruit and potatoes in addition to value added grocery products including honey, wine, green tea and sparkling juices.

A Committee of Management, together with Southern Forest Food Council staff, bring the region's worldclass and varied produce to domestic and overseas markets; and play an integral role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create sustainable employment and promote regional pride.

ENDS

For further information contact: Bevan Eatts - SFFC Executive Chairman 0419 811 823 or email bevan@southernforestsfood.com

Notes for editors:

The Southern Forests region shares the same boundaries as the Shire of Manjimup in Western Australia and includes the major towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole. The 4 major towns are different but complimentary:

• Manjimup – Heart of food production in the region

• Pemberton – Reputation as boutique tourism & food destination

• Northcliffe – Un-tapped creative industry/community

• Walpole – Abundance of natural attractions and amenity

- 300 kilometres or 3 hours south of Perth

- Amazing forests and pristine growing conditions

- 86% of the Shire of Manjimup is State Forest or conservation reserve

Produces

- 50% of Western Australia's Apple production

- 70% of Australia's Avocado production (Oct to mid Feb)

- 90% of Western Australia's Broccoli production (mid Dec to mid-May)

- Most of Western Australia's Marron production

- 90% of Western Australia's Potato production (Jan to March) 40 % all year round

- 100% of Tamarillo supply to Australia's large supermarket chains

- The region has 80,000 hectares of Agricultural land

- Currently 8,000 hectares planted for crops

- Over 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables

- Fruit and Vegetables fastest growing crops

- Renowned for the Black Truffle

- Home of the internationally famous Pink Lady apple

- Southern Forests region is the major agricultural producer in the South West region of Western Australia representing 20% of the agricultural value

- Gross agricultural value of $127M PA

- 25% of population involved in agriculture, forestry and fishing

- 118,795 head of livestock per annum (Figures at November 2013)

Role of the Southern Forests Food Council The Southern Forests Food Council Inc. was established in September 2012 to represent the interests of local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators and to foster the Southern Forests status as one of the nation's key future food bowls and culinary tourism regions. The Food Council plays a critical role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create jobs, promote regional pride and ultimately achieve recognition as a highly regarded culinary tourism destination.

SFFC Vision “Build the region's reputation for quality food.”

SFFC Objectives

1. Grow the value of agriculture and food production, create careers and encourage growth of local populations.

2. Establish and maintain unifying regional brand(s).

3. Strive to achieve price premiums for produce from the region.

4. Achieve consumer recognition of the region as a desirable culinary and tourism destination and an ethical producer of quality food.

5. Sustain the effort through on-going viability of the Food Council.

A Committee of Management, together with Southern Forest Food Council staff, bring the region's worldclass and varied produce to domestic and overseas markets; and play an integral role in unifying the area's diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create sustainable employment and promote regional pride.