“When our tickets for forage went on sale to the public we were sold out virtually within two hours,” president of FOOD Week James Sweetapple said.

Mr Sweetapple said organisers this year had increased the number of places at the forage from 700 to 1000 to meet high demand.

Further expansion of the event over coming years is now possible.

“This year we have 100 events from which people can choose from which is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“I have been encouraging people to get hold of their program and keep it with them to read as it just contains so much this year and we wouldn’t want anybody to miss out,” he said

Key events are the FOOD Week night market on Friday, April 4, the Sunday producer market (previously FOOD Affair) on April 6, the 100 mile dinner on the Village Green at Molong, the food train heading into Orange from Sydney on Friday, April 11, and the forage from Borenore to Nashdale.

The Borenore to Nashdale forage features a four kilometre walk through picturesque landscape of the area while at the same time experiencing the fabulous food and wine of the Orange district.

Mr Sweetapple said he is excited about the enthusiasm of several cafe operators who will feature an element of local produce for Sunday brunch.

“We are also thrilled to announce the Agrestic Grocer will be our food headquarters where our local producers will be on hand between 11am and 12.30pm each day for people to learn more about and taste their local produce,” Mr Sweetapple said.

The Agrestic Grocer is located at 426 Mitchell Highway, north west of Orange.

FOOD Week programs will be distributed at Saturday’s producers market in Orange and are now  available at key locations around the city, including the Orange Visitors Centre.

You can also download the complete program by going online to the FOOD Week website.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au