Agriculture and Related Value Added

Agriculture is a core economic activity in the Shire although its relative importance has declined considerably over the past decades.  Traditional dairy farming has largely given way to small scale horticulture – notably macadamia and to a lesser extent coffee, stone fruit and other produce.

Council promotes enterprises that supply fresh, high quality food as well as fibre, timber and other products and services to the Shire's community and beyond.

With the emergence of high-quality, value-adding businesses, the Byron brand is recognised far and wide as clean, green and tasty.

The local community appreciates the contribution agriculture makes to the Shire's beautiful landscape, the alternative it offers to urban development, and its employment and tourism opportunities.  Local produce is sought out by the regional population.

Council has undertaken a range of activities aimed at maintaining local agriculture.  The 2004 Byron Shire Sustainable Agriculture Strategy sets out the Shire’s approach. 

Notably, Council actively supports the Farm and Nature Tourism program initiated by Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre.