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The Richmond River is home to a large commercial
fishing fleet and the river as well as offshore fishing produce
some of the finest seafood in Australia. From river fresh
oysters to mud crabs, lobster and bugs to fresh king prawns
and fresh fish straight from the trawlers. |
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Macadamia Nut farming represents a large part of the local
agricultural industry. Many areas produce bulk nuts for commercial
consumption, but many farmers specialise in producing boutique
recipes of the sweet or savoury kind and are available throughout
the region. |
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Fruit Farming in the area includes primarily Avocadoes with
many orchards in the region. Tropical and other fruits grown
include custard apples, lychees, guavas, bananas, mangoes
and blueberries with citrus fruit and the growing stone fruit
industry. |
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Sugar Cane has been grown in the area since the 1800s and
much of the coastal and river flat areas are planted with
cane in its various stages. Annually burnt and harvested then
transported to the local sugar mill at Broadwater where it
is processed and refined, the local industry is strong and
provides an income for many families. |
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Coffee producing in the Ballina area is fast becoming a
growing concern with the high standard of the local product
finding a national reputation of quality and flavour. Plantations
are dotted throughout the rolling hills in the hinterland
beyond Ballina. |
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Beef cattle farming is a major industry in the Ballina area.
Beef provides a major income for many farmers, and local butchers
proudly stock local beef.
The dairy industry was historically one of the major building
blocks of the local community. Although not as prolific as
in the past, there are still local farmers to be found in
the surrounding areas. |
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Tea Tree oil is produced for its therapeutic remedies and
continues to gain popularity both in Australia and overseas.
Many bushfoods and herbal plants are also grown in the area
both for cooking and remedial use. |
