Launceston and Northern Tasmania have been successful in their bid to be recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Tasmania's second city and surrounding vineyard and farming regions are among 49 cities joining the global network.
Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to strengthen co-operation among cities and help guide economic, social, cultural, and environmentally sustainable development.
Chair of the Creative Cities Steering Group, Andrew Pitt, said: "It is wonderful to have endorsement of our vision.
"For some time, we have been lacking a cohesive, accessible and intuitive identity for our city. Now we have one."
Launceston is surrounded by wine regions including the Tamar Valley and Pipers River and is home to the renowned Harvest Farmer's Market (top).
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the project would cement Launceston s identity as an internationally recognised region for food and beverage production.
"The UNESCO brand is recognised worldwide and is a marker of the very highest quality," Mayor van Zetten said.
"Over many years, Northern Tasmanian has consistently demonstrated expertise in the development of agriculture, food processing, wine and beverage production, tourism and agritourism. Now that we have been recognised and listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it will contribute positively to our regional economy and create new jobs in food-related industries and activities over the coming years.
"In addition, it formalises Launceston's identity as one of the world s great regional food cities."
The bid to be recognised as a City of Gastronomy was developed by the Creative Cities Steering Group, whose members represent industry, community, local government, educational and regional organisations.
The bid was enabled by funding from the University of Tasmania and the Great Regional City Challenge and supported plenty by organisations such as FermenTasmania.
The City of Launceston will contribute $25,000 towards the implementation of Creative Cities-related projects. Six other Northern councils have also collectively committed more than $28,000, including Break O Day, Dorset, George Town, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands and West Tamar.
The projects and activities will be delivered through Launceston Gastronomy and a newly formed not-for-profit entity, Tasmanian Agrifood Network Ltd.
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