Posted by Rita Mu
A food consultant has been appointed the inaugural role of Queensland’s Food Fellow.
The state’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies, Tim Mulherin, said Co-founder of Brisbane’s Farmers’ market, Alison Alexander, would act as the state’s ambassador for food by profiling and promoting regional produce.
"Queensland has so much to celebrate about our food and our primary producers," Mulherin said.
"…Who better to tell the world about the diversity and quality of Queensland produce than one of our most respected food opinion leaders.”
Queensland’s $18.5 billion food industry employs 267,000 people and contributes to around one quarter of the country’s food exports.
Over the next two years, Alexander will travel across Queensland and to Sydney and Melbourne to profile the food and innovative food science of Queensland.
She will work with the Department of Economic Development and Innovation to develop projects aimed at Queensland’s regional produce, which includes tropical fruit, winter vegetables, North Queensland barramundi, Hervey Bay scallops and Kingaroy pork.
"Alison is renowned for her encyclopaedic food knowledge, her celebration of Queensland producers and her unwavering support for the food professionals who present our food to both Australian and international consumers," Mulherin said.
"Alison hails from rural Queensland. She grew up in Mt Sylvia and attended school in Toowoomba.
“I congratulate and welcome Alison as the first Queensland Food Fellow and I’m proud to have her on board to help put Queensland and our food industry on the map."
Image: Queensland’s new food ambassador – Alison Alexander, Source: cabinet.qld.gov.au