Calling for less red tape to boost farm gate tourism

Key points

• Baw Baw Shire Council is calling on all candidates and parties in the Victorian state election to reduce red tape for farm gate businesses. Mayor Kate Wilson says the sector could grow tourism and create jobs in the shire.
• Abby Graham of Ashridge Truffle Farm in Neerim South says Victorian farm gate operators face tighter limits than those in New South Wales, such as selling produce from other producers and running a café.
• The council points to recent New South Wales changes to planning and zoning rules as a model for Victoria.