13.00hrs, Friday 5th February

Cominos House, Greenslopes Street, Cairns

President's Report - Kinan Ahau

Activities for year were dominated by the establishment and management of Farmgate at the Pier. However the organisation carried out other activities including:

• Appropriate Biological Cultivation (ABC) Roundtable organised by Bood Hickson - 12 attendees and outcomes were circulated widely. It was noteworthy however that there was not a lot of support from the Queensland Government or the bureaucracy
• Presentation was made to the Shadow Minister for the Environment, David Gibson - on both the Biodiscovery Act and ABC

Farmgate

The main focus for NSDA over the past 12 months was Farmgate, the local producers market held on Saturday mornings at the Pier. Considerable time was spent in analysis of all potential locations for the market. Prior to opening, a stallholders guide and principles of Farmgate were produced. A special presentation style for Farmgate was created. Farmgate was officially opened on 18th April 2009 by the member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall.

Farmgate now has over 40 stallholders. Events presented at farmgate over the past few months include Masterchef and other cooking and cuisine demonstrations. Farmgate also participated in the University of Southern Cross federally funded food tourism project. NSDA held 2 fund raising BBQs to assist the organisation. The Pier Craft Market has now been added to the attractions available on Saturday mornings.

I and the the Management Committee take this opportunity to thank Imeea Svanosio, the Farmgate Coordinator and the efforts of NSDA members in making Farmgate a success.

We also acknowledge the generous rental and marketing support from the Pier management group.
NSDA was successful in securing a grant from the Gambling Fund for computers, printer and accessories.
Recent applications for funding have been made under the Caring for Country program to achieve improved agricultural practices. If successful, the project run on Anthony Fermo's biochicken farm.

The challenges for 2010 include making Farmgate sustainable - the Wet Season will be a test to secure locally available produce. Farmgate needs to develop to increase customers and the range of local produce available.
NSDA must also make applications for funds to support the organisation.

I would like to thank the NSDA Management committee for their dedication and contributions over the last year and would also like to wish the new committee the vision and strength to take the NSDA to the next level.

Kinan Ahau
President

for the AGM Minutes and Financial Report please contact the Secretary