THE inaugural East Gippsland Leafy Vegetable Demonstration Day will show off the potential of new leafy vegetable varieties at both ends of the supply chain.
Not only will trial plantings be on display for inspection but celebrity chef Geoff Jansz will conduct a cooking demonstration using some of those same varieties.
The concept has stirred up considerable interest within the leafy vegetable sector with 10 of the major seed companies taking the opportunity to show-off their latest lines.
The trial days will be held on May 9 at Bulmer Farms in Lindenow, Victoria.
The brief given to the seed companies was to present new varieties, new lines and types which will challenge the leafy salad definition.
Agronomist Noel Jansz, Elders (no relation to Geoff) has been involved in the organisation of the event along with host Andrew Bulmer, Bulmer Farms and Stuart Grigg, Stuart Grigg Ag-Hort Consulting.
He said he originally got in touch with Geoff Jansz in the hope of helping out at the Elders stand with some cooking demonstrations at the East Gippsland Field Days.
The celebrity chef then extended his two-day commitment at the field days to a third in order to include the field trials, as well as being a guest speaker at an industry welcome dinner on the Thursday night.
Noel said the idea behind the field trials was to build awareness among local growers and consumers of what varieties of lettuce, rocket, spinach, baby broccoli, leafy brassicas, beet/chard and kale are available.
He said he expected growers, processors and those from the retail industry to tread the soil of what is shaping up to be a picture perfect trial site.
“All the plantings got away pretty well,” Noel said.
“They are coming along really good. We just got a few inches of rain over the last couple of days.
“People from the processing, marketing and retailing sectors are looking for these new lines, and that’s what we are trying to promote.”
The East Gippsland Field Days (May 9 and 10) can attract up to 10,000 visitors, meaning there will likely be high interest in the field trials.
Noel said to expect something new from chef Geoff Jansz, who is currently putting together brand new recipes for the event based on produce from the local area.
Working with the East Gippsland Food Cluster, ingredients may include local cheeses, olive oil, vinegars, meats, citrus, apples and wine.
“With Geoff’s background as being a presenter and a celebrity chef, we think he will be a bit of a drawcard for the trial day and hopefully bring a few more people out,” Noel said.
The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary pass to the East Gippsland Field Days.
*Visit: www.geoffjansz.com
