Spotlight on Rural Women in the Surf Coast Hinterland

Alison Marchant from One Goose Farm and Eliza Holt from Mount Moriac Beef are two farmers passionate about agriculture and the future of the Surf Coast Hinterland. Both coming from farming families, the two women are now growing their own agricultural brands and produce.

One Goose Farm sells fresh berries and garlic from their boutique farmgate, and Mount Moriac Beef is sold online and delivered directly to consumers, as well as through retail outlets and a restaurant on the Surf Coast.

Alison Marchant, One Goose Farm

Eliza Holt, Mount Moriac Beef

‘Agriculture on the Surf Coast has a tremendous history, but we are now seeing a new wave of enthusiasm from farmers and consumers. The desire to buy ethical food, connect to local farmers and to know where your food is grown has created a new market for local Surf Coast producers.’ explains Alison.

Mount Moriac Beef’s focus is on producing a consistent and premium product, and this has seen the business recently win the People’s Choice Award for Agriculture at the 2018 Geelong Small Business Awards. Eliza was thrilled at the announcement. ‘We have been operating since October 2017, and our business is growing, thanks to the positive response to our beef from our customers, and the support of local businesses. I am passionate about the industry and the region, and believe that there is a great potential for agribusinesses in the Surf Coast Hinterland.’

Alison is also aware of the Surf Coast Hinterland potential and has strong history of advocating for the area. She has now joined Farmers for Climate Action who are supporting farmers with education and sustainable practices and sits on the advisory panel for Victorian Rural Women’s Network. ‘We know action is driven from grassroots community groups and there is potential to create a dynamic Surf Coast Agribusiness Network. This network would tell the Surf Coast Hinterland story and all that it offers, while supporting new businesses like One Goose Farm and Mount Moriac Beef. We see the area as being a destination for food lovers and producers.’

Both Eliza and Alison want to see it become easier for consumers to buy and eat local produce, and to connect with local farmers. They believe that if the profile of the Surf Coast Hinterland is developed and recognised, both locally and across Victoria, agribusinesses in the area will be able to grow and succeed.

To learn more about the Rural Women's Network, please contact Alison Marchant, alijmarchant@gmail.com