A great partnership between NSW DPI, Local Land Services and the Central Coast Council, meant visitors had the opportunity to see the Somersby Field Station.

The scenic site has citrus orchards, green tea plantation and vast pastures maintained by the department for research purposes.

The Station has a long history of over 100 years of delivering world-class R&D services to the horticulture industries on the central coast, nationally and internationally.

NSW DPI’s Institute Director on Central Coast Dr SP Singh said visitors were able to get a glimpse of the historical perspective of the institute and the contributions that DPI makes to the industries, communities and the environment.

“The Harvest Festival is a great opportunity for community engagement and to open the gates of our research station to raise the general public awareness about the role DPI’s Central Coast research and compliance teams play in food production, community services and environmental protection,” he said.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate the International Year of Fruit and Vegetables.”

Dr Singh said horticulture researchers engaged with the visitors sharing the success stories of intensive crop production and sustainable resource use in the horticulture sector. The role of research at our station in underpinning the export success of Australian horticulture industries was highlighted.

“Visitors interacted with the DPI team to learn about food safety practices. Also showcased was the R&D that undergoes in the background to provide communities safe food for consumption,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity for plant biosecurity research team to demonstrate to visitors how they could spread pests and diseases by movement from farm to farm. Visitors could try foot baths for sanitisation and learn procedures to sanitise vehicle wheels.

“To raise awareness of these pests and other exotic pests and diseases in their home gardens and backyards, visitors could see some live samples of key pests such as Queensland fruit fly and infested fruit samples. Several visitors especially youth and children were turned into Biosecurity Warriors at this event”

Information was available on a range of courses and peri-urban biosecurity resources on offer to help manage land and natural areas through NSW DPI Tocal College.

Fisheries compliance and education teams shared with visitors’ resources developed for responsible recreational fishing and other topics such as fishing rules, and safety. Fishing training was a popular attraction for the visiting adults and children.

Staff from NSW Local Land Services also joined forces in community engagement and made this event a collaborative effort to strengthen primary industries in the region.