The Taste Bundaberg Festival celebrates the region’s vibrant food producers and chefs with over 30 events across the Bundaberg food bowl.
This month we share the stories of our Local Taste Ambassadors, and what makes them passionate about growing, producing and cooking in the Bundaberg Region.
Anthony and Kate from One Little Farm share their story
How long have you been growing in the Bundaberg Region?
My family have traditionally been farmers around the Hummock area.
I have been farming for 32 years and in that time, I have seen some dramatic changes in farming practices and types of crops across our landscape.
The reality is I have always been a farmer since I can remember.
Firstly, all I wanted to do was drive a cane harvester, but this has never eventuated as my family diversified away from sugar.
What do you love about living in the Bundaberg food bowl?
What’s great about living in Bundaberg is the way different crops across our landscape matures and fruits throughout the year, from fresh berries to leafy greens, radiant winter floral blooms, macadamia nuts and then to top it off with fresh melons for Christmas, and that just a taste of what Bundaberg has.
Bundaberg has the perfect weather for growing, a river and shoreline vibrant with fresh seafood and our inland of pork and beef. Life doesn’t get any better.
What would you like to tell visitors about the region’s vibrant fresh produce?
I am a fourth-generation farmer and currently I am working with my daughter as our fifth generation of Rehbeins but in a completely different style of farming.
We don’t play in the dirt, and everything is undercover as I believe that Protective Cropping is the way of the future.
Climate change or weather cycles has a huge impact on my life and as a farmer if we can reduce these risks then I hope it is easier to produce.
We grow everything above ground using up to date irrigation and fertilizer technology to grow beautiful flowers.
Where is your business located and what is the best part about it?
2018 saw a new chapter in my life where we bought a little florist and produce shop in the Millaquin Markets on Bargara Road.
This has now grown to become a café where we create and transform local produce and flowers into beautiful treats which are mostly Gluten Free.
Our flowers are made into stunning bouquets and arrangements for all occasions.
I love how our team at One Little Farm show cases the local produce.
How are you involved in Taste Bundaberg Festival this year?
My wife Kate and I have been supporters of local farmers markets particularly in the earlier times of the Taste Festival as we believe that it is our farmers who are our unsung heroes when it comes to supplying fresh produce to our supermarket shelves.
What’s your favourite thing to cook using local fresh produce?
In our café we make some wonderful food, but my favourite would have to be our savoury muffins.
They are loaded with roasted vegetables and infused with our very own tomato chutney and local herbs.
Warmed with a slither of butter and a lovely coffee, makes life just right.
At home I love everything from baking, roasting, smoking or bottling.
But I do love sitting out on our veranda overlooking Bargara with my pickled ginger, cheese, cured meats and lovely Chardonnay with Kate and my three lovely children, it is just the best.
Read more Local Taste Ambassador stories here, and check out the Taste Bundaberg Festival program.
