Specialised Agricultural Industry Development

The Noojee area has uniquely fertile land that enables a high-production growing environment. Although small to medium in size, the local agricultural industry can position itself to have a competitive market share with unique and specialised produce and sustainability certification.

Through the Specialised Agricultural Industry Development Working Group's work with local farmers, they aim to create an innovative farming network that supports businesses to share knowledge, and resources, and create training, development and employment opportunities within the region.

Key areas the working group is exploring include:

  • A local training and research base for agricultural innovation, including a horticultural training program
  • An industry network to share workforce opportunities, infrastructure, and information
  • Agritourism and farm gate opportunities
  • A circular economy within the Noojee area

Currently, there are seven local farms involved in the project, with the opportunity for more niche produce farms in the region to join the group.


Achievements:

  • Supporting expansion of businesses to create new local jobs
  • Creating a strong, professional network for local agricultural businesses


Current Priorities:

  • Developing new festival celebrating local produce
  • Circular Economy opportunities
  • Product diversification and collaboration
  • Ongoing business support and job creation


Farm Locations:

See the list below to see which farms are currently part of the Specialised Agricultural Industry Development Working Group and learn more about them.


Icy Creek Truffle Co:

A black truffle farm grown without using chemicals. Located from the foot of Mt Baw Baw in the Victorian High Country, West Gippsland.


Neerim Berries:

Identified as a prime location for producing berries. This newly established farm is working with the pristine natural surrounds having planted their first crop in late June.


Nationwide Trees:

Nationwide Trees supplies a broad range of deciduous and broadleaf seedlings, rootstocks and some conifers to the nursery industry, orchardists, landscapers, local authorities, farm foresters, planting contractors and consultants. We are accredited for interstate movement of nursery stock and export to customers throughout Australia. www.nationwidetrees.com.au


Five Tales Farm:

Five Tales Farm is a small organic farm that deepens people's connection to the food they cook and share. Their focus is on seasonal vegetables and cut flowers, with specific attention to unique varieties and home-grown flavours. www.fivetalesfarm.com


Ridge Road Blooms:

Ridge Road Blooms is uniquely located, surrounded by forest and with spectacular views of the Latrobe Valley. Ridge Road Blooms is an organic flower farm supplying fresh cut flowers to the wholesale markets across Australia. www.ridgeroadblooms.com/about-us


Ashridge Truffles:

Ashridge Truffle Farm is perfect for an enriching farm day trip experience. With rich, fertile soils and the perfect climate, the famous, delicious and highly prized Black Truffle or Melanosporum grow in a grove of young oak trees.


Alpine Trout Farm:

The Alpine Trout Farm, located alongside the La Trobe River, produces the highest quality fresh Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Atlantic Salmon, smoked trout and salmon, trout dips and caviar. www.alpinetroutfarm.com.au/trout-fishing/

The Noojee area has uniquely fertile land that enables a high-production growing environment. Although small to medium in size, the local agricultural industry can position itself to have a competitive market share with unique and specialised produce and sustainability certification.

Through the Specialised Agricultural Industry Development Working Group's work with local farmers, they aim to create an innovative farming network that supports businesses to share knowledge, and resources, and create training, development and employment opportunities within the region.

Key areas the working group is exploring include:

  • A local training and research base for agricultural innovation, including a horticultural training program
  • An industry network to share workforce opportunities, infrastructure, and information
  • Agritourism and farm gate opportunities
  • A circular economy within the Noojee area

Currently, there are seven local farms involved in the project, with the opportunity for more niche produce farms in the region to join the group.


Achievements:

  • Supporting expansion of businesses to create new local jobs
  • Creating a strong, professional network for local agricultural businesses


Current Priorities:

  • Developing new festival celebrating local produce
  • Circular Economy opportunities
  • Product diversification and collaboration
  • Ongoing business support and job creation


Farm Locations:

See the list below to see which farms are currently part of the Specialised Agricultural Industry Development Working Group and learn more about them.


Icy Creek Truffle Co:

A black truffle farm grown without using chemicals. Located from the foot of Mt Baw Baw in the Victorian High Country, West Gippsland.


Neerim Berries:

Identified as a prime location for producing berries. This newly established farm is working with the pristine natural surrounds having planted their first crop in late June.


Nationwide Trees:

Nationwide Trees supplies a broad range of deciduous and broadleaf seedlings, rootstocks and some conifers to the nursery industry, orchardists, landscapers, local authorities, farm foresters, planting contractors and consultants. We are accredited for interstate movement of nursery stock and export to customers throughout Australia. www.nationwidetrees.com.au


Five Tales Farm:

Five Tales Farm is a small organic farm that deepens people's connection to the food they cook and share. Their focus is on seasonal vegetables and cut flowers, with specific attention to unique varieties and home-grown flavours. www.fivetalesfarm.com


Ridge Road Blooms:

Ridge Road Blooms is uniquely located, surrounded by forest and with spectacular views of the Latrobe Valley. Ridge Road Blooms is an organic flower farm supplying fresh cut flowers to the wholesale markets across Australia. www.ridgeroadblooms.com/about-us


Ashridge Truffles:

Ashridge Truffle Farm is perfect for an enriching farm day trip experience. With rich, fertile soils and the perfect climate, the famous, delicious and highly prized Black Truffle or Melanosporum grow in a grove of young oak trees.


Alpine Trout Farm:

The Alpine Trout Farm, located alongside the La Trobe River, produces the highest quality fresh Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Atlantic Salmon, smoked trout and salmon, trout dips and caviar. www.alpinetroutfarm.com.au/trout-fishing/

Page last updated: 25 Aug 2025, 01:15 PM