In 2005 the Biodiesel committee (pictured) was established to investigate the feasibility of a proposed biodiesel plant in the Lockhart region. Due to the lack of government direction for alternative fuel sources and its legislation as well as environmental factors it was not viable to continue with a full study.
The Biodiesel steering committee continued to meet to discuss agricultural related opportunities in value adding as well as the development of regional services, and farm sustainability.
The Biodiesel Steering Committee became the Lockhart Development Group Incorporated and it launched the concept of Southern Agventure. The goal of Southern Agventure is to secure the profitability of farm businesses and rural communities.
Southern Agventure Limited was established in October 2009 with over 160 farmer shareholders. It wants to provide a structure to take advantage of future opportunities and has brought together like minded farmers/producers who can work for common goals and markets. It requires good corporate governance and has selected people with a diverse range of skills for the board, including an independent Chairman. Farmers need to be empowered to take greater control of our industry and when more profits are retained within our communities regional businesses and towns will be more sustainable.
In late 2009 Southern Agventure established a 50/50 joint venture with the Emerald Group, Southern Ag Grain, a grain accumulation, marketing and trading company based in Wagga Wagga, NSW. (See also www.southernaggrain.com.au.)
Southern Agventure is seeking to widen its geographic coverage in southern NSW and its farmer shareholder base. In October 2010 it is holding a series of farmer information meetings across the region to tell its story and to seek further farmer involvement.