Local agriculture
For many years tobacco growing was the main agricultural industry around Myrtleford, contributing $28 million each year at the farm gate and $90 million to the regional economy. The closure of the tobacco industry in late 2006 brought to an end over 150 years of tobacco crop production in the region when the growers accepted a financial package from tobacco manufacturers and the Australian Government to terminate productionn.
As a result, a major regional land use and social restructure is now taking place as many former tobacco growers seek alternate primary industry pursuits that are sustainable, profitable and suited to the climate characteristics of the area.
Located at the confluence of the Ovens and Buffalo Rivers, the fertile soils, an elevation of 210m above sea level and an average annual rainfall of 887mm means Myrtleford is ideally suited to intensive agriculture. Today, timber plantations, hops and beef cattle production remain important agricultural industries to Myrtleford.
Many former tobacco farms are now producing high quality lucerne and a small number have ventured into permanent plantings of berries and nuts.
Wine-grape production has expanded and crops such as walnuts, chestnuts and cherries have small but significant regional plantings. Boutique wineries now compliment Myrtleford’s larger established wineries and the availability of fresh produce has encouraged people to open quality restaurants and bistros.
From what was first seen as a major blow to the town's economy, the advent of other crops and the rapid expansion of the tourism industry linked to food and wine has given Myrtleford a new lease on life!
For a list of local primary producers, click here