With loads of practical information to help you grow your own delicious fruit and vegetables, plus preparing and

preserving your excess, it’s a day not to be missed.

The Expo will be officially opened by NSW Opposition Natural Resource management spokesperson Katrina Hodgkinson.

NSW Landcare Chairman, David Walker, will also attend.

Exhibits and demonstrations include:

Composting part of the Great Compost Cookoff, Worm Farms, Mulching, Home irrigation, Hand shearing, Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service Displays, Reptile Awareness Displays of Australia, Gould League Display, Farm Animal Petting zoo, Food preservation techniques, and pasta making.

There will also be the chance to sample local wines and purchase fresh local produce, organic fruit and vegetable, Budgi Werri prunes, Sallydale organic jams and pies, Cottesbrook honey, Nanami lavender products and stock up on some wonderful plants and garden accessories.

A jumping castle and free fairy floss are sure to keep the kids busy while parents learn how to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Self sufficiency is the goal of many gardeners today and the current recession will only increase the number of people moving from fast food to “slow food”, by growing, cooking and preserving their own fruits and vegetables,” Chief administrator Belinda Mort said.

“Home grown food is cheaper, more nutritious and tastes better than anything you can get in the supermarket.

You know exactly what you have added to your food in terms of chemicals and it is GM-free.”

The expo runs from 8.30am to 5pm. Entry costs $5 for adults, $3 for children and concessions and $10 for families (2 adults/2 school-age children). For more information contact the Cowra Japanese Garden on 6341 2233.