Demand for fresh produce supplied by Port Macquarie-Hastings growers continues to remain strong as COVID-19 impacts the supply chain.
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Farm manager at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries Tony Sarks said the coronavirus pandemic had presented some challenges for the business, as it came after the relentless 2019 drought.
"We were lucky because as a food source we were allowed to stay open right through the period where restrictions were enforced," he said.
"(However) business took a nose dive just as it did for everyone else."
The recent school holidays have demonstrated the community is still putting value into sourcing good quality and fresh local produce.
Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries welcomed hundreds of people to the premises.
"We think a lot of visitors who came to our region were keen to shop local," Mr Sarks said.
The outlook for the business' future remains upbeat, due to the amount of rainfall across the region since the start of 2020.
"We've got a lot of confidence now for this year and next year," Mr Sarks said.
"It's literally been about two months since we've got all our crops producing.
"It's really good to have that happen again and it means we're back in business."
Similarly, industry newcomer Nathan Bell from Ingleside Avocados on the Comboyne plateau reported 2020 had been a great year for production.
The Bell's first harvest in 2018 produced 3.5 tonnes. Last year it grew to 15 tonne and this year's forecast is expected to be around 50 tonne.
Robbie Tilling is the owner of Mid North Coast (MNC) Microgreens based at Shelly Beach.
During the height of the coronavirus pandemic the community's interest in sourcing his product grew.
However, Mr Tilling said some people won't go out of their way to buy local produce unless they are particularly health conscious.
"People have got busy lives, it's just the way it is," he said.
Mr Tilling also provides microgreens to about 15 local businesses, where majority use the product as a garnish on food dishes.
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