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Promoting Victorian produce: the Wimmera and Mallee, including Loddon and the Central Highlands
Mouth-watering fruits and plentiful grains are trademark agricultural ingredients of the Wimmera and Mallee.
The Wimmera is Victoria’s prime dryland cropping area, while the Mallee is one of the most productive and diverse agricultural areas of Australia. A favourable climate, good soil types and abundant supply of large tracts of land are the secrets of success in many of the region’s agricultural industries.
Loddon and the Central Highlands, including the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country, are known for its excellent meat and high-quality grains and oilseeds. Loddon is fast gaining a reputation as the state’s leading centre for intensive agriculture.
Apples, stonefruit, citrus, tomatoes, cereal cropping, pigs, prime lambs, fine wool, beef cattle, dairy, poultry, aquaculture (fish breeding) and grape growing are just some of the delicious staples on offer.
Dairy, pork and chicken industries are also strong, as is horticulture. Olives, nuts and wine grapes are also appearing on the irrigation landscape.
Wimmera, Mallee and Loddon: industry facts
- Agriculture in the Wimmera, Mallee and Loddon contribute about $3 billion to the economy each year
- 60 per cent of all crop products in the Wimmera are exported
- More than 80 per cent of Victoria’s grapes are produced in the Mallee
- The Wimmera and Mallee regions produce half of Victoria’s pork products
- There are more than 2,000 farms covering one million hectares in the Loddon region alone
- Harcourt, in Loddon, is the apple producing capital of Victoria
- Vegetable production in the Central Highlands is worth about $72 million each year, of which $67 million comes from potatoes
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DPI-sponsored programs that promote the Wimmera, Mallee and Loddon regions include:
- The Food Trail: A six part TV series hosted by Paul Mercurio, with recipes using some of Victoria’s finest quality produce.
More information
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