AGFEST 2022 has more than 400 exhibitors on its books already and has been boosted again with funding commitment of $850,000 from the State Government for the field days to be held in August.
Agfest, organised by Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania, is one of the shining lights on the rural calendar, pumping more than $27 million into the local economy.
Tickets go on sale from July 1.
It is one of Tasmania’s most iconic annual events and the three-day event normally attracts about 65,000 patrons and hosts hundreds of local and interstate businesses.
Agfest offers exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their quality products, people, brands, and services to a wide local and national audience.
It has already received strong support from agricultural farm machinery dealers for the August Agfest 2022 event.
Rural Youth postponed Agfest 2022, from May 4-7 until August 24-27, due to concerns on running an economically viable event in May because of Covid restrictions.
The mounting support for the temporary move to the revised date comes as the preparation for Agfest 2022 starts to ramp up.
Applications for exhibitors close on Monday.
Rural Youth said it was grateful to the Tasmanian Government for its continual support for the organisation and Agfest.
“We welcome the funding commitment of which will help ensure the long-term viability of the organisation and will assist with urgently needed infrastructure improvements to our Quercus Park site, the home of Agfest,” Rural Youth state president Josh Mison said.
“We will continue to work closely with the State Government and especially with Events Tasmania to ensure a successful Agfest 2022 in the Paddock in August.
“We are very hopeful that the current level of restrictions on events especially regarding any attendance cap of patrons will be reviewed and lifted in time for the August event.”
Agfest chairman Caine Evans said postponement was a difficult decision, especially considering there would be two events in one financial year.
“We put this on for Tasmanians, and specifically our farming sector, we’re confident that locals will come out and support our event and also that capped numbers will be revised.
“We are extremely proud of the resilience shown by the young people of the Agfest committee in organising the event under such trying conditions.”
Agfest has continued to grow in size and reputation across its 39-year history.
The final full-scale event in 2019, prior to Covid-19, attracted 728 stallholders and 63,838 patrons.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said Agfest was a strong contributor to Tasmania’s tourism and visitor economy, and many visitors and attendees take the opportunity to spend extra time in Tasmania.
“The investment by the Government will allow Rural Youth Tasmania to have surety in their event planning, as well as provide support for vital infrastructure work to ensure organisational stability and the future viability of Agfest.”