Spotlight on Central Coast Plateau Innovative Agriculture Businesses

This week, our CEO John Mouland had the privilege of joining a “Snapshot Tour” of leading agricultural businesses on the Central Coast Plateau, showcasing the innovation, resilience and growth potential of our local farming sector.

The tour was organised by Sam Dominello, the newly elected President of the Central Coast Plateau Chamber of Commerce, and brought together RDA Central Coast and Business NSW Central Coast to gain deeper insights into the diverse range of intensive farming operations taking place across the region.

We had the opportunity to visit:

• Family Fresh Farms – a modern, high-tech greenhouse facility producing premium fresh produce for local and national markets.

• Barden Farms – a long-established family farm combining tradition and innovation to meet the changing demands of consumers.

• Agrana Fruit Australia – a major fruit processing business that plays a vital role in supporting both local growers and the broader food manufacturing supply chain.

• S & P Dominello Flower Growers – an outstanding example of horticultural excellence, producing world-class flowers that showcase the Plateau’s fertile land and skilled growers.

Throughout the tour, we heard directly from growers and producers about the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector on the Central Coast. Key issues raised included:

• Worker accommodation shortages, particularly for seasonal staff and backpackers.

• Water and sewerage access limitations, which constrain opportunities for business expansion.

• The ongoing difficulties with the “88-day visa” requirement for Working Holiday Makers (WHMs), which creates uncertainty in securing reliable seasonal labour.

Despite these challenges, the tour highlighted the remarkable innovation, adaptability and global competitiveness of our agricultural businesses. The Central Coast Plateau continues to demonstrate that it is not only a region of natural beauty, but also a powerhouse of food and horticultural production.

RDA Central Coast and Business NSW Central Coast remain committed to working alongside the Central Coast Plateau Chamber of Commerce to advocate for practical solutions to these long-standing issues. Together, we aim to ensure that local agribusinesses are supported to grow, attract investment, and showcase the Central Coast as a leader in world-class, innovative agriculture.