Radio Free Freshness
COMMUNITY passion for fresh food and produce has found a place on local radio.
2BBB FM is well known for a wide range of programs and as an indispensable resource for Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo residents for all manner of things.
Now it can boast a locally-produced program called Passionfruit and Chilli, devoted to the promotion of local food and local food producers - particularly those with an ethical focus.
Program presenter Pearl Maya said the session is available on air, by webcast and even for podcast on iTunes.
"When we support our local farmers and producers we are supporting our neighbours, we are building our community," she said.
"We have been going for eight weeks and to date have looked at a really wide range of food related subjects."
These include Mayfield Farm producing beef and pork organically in Dorrigo and Red Dirt Distillery which is Australia's only potato vodka manufacturer.
Topics include learning how to make our own cheese, how young people not from farming families can get involved in agriculture and advice from Byron Beans about growing organic coffee.
"We like to promote local food groups like the Bellingen Food Exchange and the Northbank Community Garden," Ms Maya said.
"Obviously there are recipes galore and if it is food related, we are interested."
Radio station board member Leo Bradney-George said the program was one of many eclectic segments available and new presenters are encouraged to become involved.
"2BBB FM has a comprehensive training program teaching all aspects of broadcasting from microphone techniques, the legal bits you need to keep in mind when 'on air' through to how to create a completed podcast for iTunes," he revealed.
"The great thing about community radio is that it provides a place for people to learn and hone their skills in the art of broadcasting.
"Passionfruit and Chilli is an excellent example of how radio programmers can grow and improve the quality of the broadcast each week."
In addition to the program Passionfruit and Chilli also has a website where people who have missed a recipe, want to follow up on an interview or want to download a podcast.
Check out passionfruitandchilli.blogspot.com
Previously heard on Tuesday afternoon, from April 9 (this Monday) Passionfruit and Chilli will be moving to a permanent 11.30am timeslot.
Listeners outside the broadcast area of 93.3FM and 107.3FM can webcast through the station website 2bbb.net.au or download a podcast through iTunes.
