Food, farming and politics will take centre stage in northern Tasmania this spring, with agriCULTURED launching its 2026 program for the festival running from November 5 to 8.
Now in its sixth year, the Launceston-based festival will explore the theme “food is political”, examining how decisions made by farmers, businesses and governments shape what Australians grow and eat.
Minister Roger Jaensch said Tasmania was becoming known for its food festivals, but agriCULTURED was different.
“This is about food, where it comes from, the paddock-to-plate journey, the role of food in our region’s economy and our culture and our identity,” he said.
The state government is contributing $600,000 over three years to support the festival.
Jaensch said the event was now international, with a delegation from Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada, attending through Launceston’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy partnership.
Festival chair Caroline Brown said the relationship with Kelowna was a natural fit.
“They’ve got over 800 farms, 40 vineyards, they are also struggling with things that we almost take for granted around the challenges of climate change and producing food,” she said.
Brown said agriCULTURED was a zero-waste event focused on local sourcing.
“Our conversations in the city on the Friday is very centred around what it means to deal with issues around being sustainable from an environmental perspective, from a waste perspective and how we work with our food systems to make sure that we can produce into the future,” she said.
Executive producer Sarah Blacklock said tickets would range from $165 for a four-course dinner with wine down to free community events.
“agriCULTURED is unique because it moves beyond traditional food and wine events and offers immersive experiences that connect audiences with the full food system from soil science and sustainable farming to culinary creativity and cultural expression,” she said.
Highlights include a Laneway Dinner hosted by food critic Richard Cornish, fermentation workshops, a sustainable fashion show and a progressive lunch using only ingredients from Lilydale.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said the festival was important for the region.
“It’s been a year of change for the north, but the visitor economy is one of the keys to helping the region become more resilient,” she said.
Tickets are now on sale.
