An award-winning trout farm at Hanging Rock, near Nundle, is set to cut its reliance on diesel and move off the grid, after landing a grant to embrace renewable energy.
Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm has secured funding through the Aquaculture Industry Development Program to support the work.
“Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm is one of our region’s hidden jewels, producing award-winning fresh and smoked trout products to customers across the country,” said Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.
“Owner Russell Sydenham and his team have a reputation for excellence which has flowed through to the farm’s ongoing transformation to adopt the latest in modern aquaculture and energy technology.”
The farm was first established in the mid-1980s. The Sydenham family took over in 2006 and has grown it into an award-winning producer of premium trout, smoked meats, and artisan products.
Arc-en-Ciel means rainbow in French, a nod to the rainbow trout raised in the farm’s spring-fed waters in the cool mountain air of Hanging Rock.
The farm sells fresh rainbow trout and sashimi-grade fillets, along with smoked fillets, pâtés, and rillettes. Its products have won medals, including the title of Champion Trout Product at national food awards.
“The farm is moving into a new era, getting off the grid by embracing cutting edge renewable energy generation that will build resilience into the business model,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Sydenham thanked Mr Anderson for his support in securing the grant.
“We are grateful for Kevin’s support in helping us secure this funding opportunity and for his ongoing commitment to regional businesses across New South Wales,” Mr Sydenham said.
“This project represents the next stage in the evolution of our farm.”
The farm is also home to Nundle Smokehouse, which produces smoked beef, venison, and poultry, as well as biltong, South Africa’s famous version of jerky.
Visitors can take guided tours to see how the trout are raised, fed, and cared for, and eat at The Drunken Trout Café. The café seats 30 indoors and another 20 across the veranda and garden deck, serving the farm’s trout and smokehouse specialties.
Mr Sydenham said the new project would bring a range of benefits.
“It will help us reduce reliance on diesel generation, improve energy security, strengthen environmental outcomes and support the long-term viability of land-based aquaculture in regional Australia,” he said.
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