More than 100 people came together at the Robertson Public House and Kitchen on March 29, for a three course meal and speeches from different organisations that support local businesses, and the WSC.

The event aimed to promote local growers and the importance of the region's visitor economy, and how different enterprises can benefit from the new agritourism definitions.

New amendments to the definition would enable producers and farm land owners to establish income through tourism opportunities, such as farm stays and tours and tastings on premises.

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All of the meals served on the day were created by guest chef and What if Society founder Eilish Maloney, who sourced ingredients from growers across the Highlands and Tablelands.

Facilitator of the Southern Highlands Key Stakeholder Group and principal consultant of Randall Walker Consulting Randall Walker, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the community.

All proceeds from the not-for-profit event, which has been held annually for a few years, went to local producers.

Robertson Public House and Kitchen Steve Savic said then addressed the crowd and said he wanted more people to "stop" and make the region a "destination".

Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre CEO Johnathon McIlroy and general manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds South Shannan Perry-Hall, also spoke about the services they could offer local businesses and ways to upskill current employers.

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WSC general manager Lisa Miscamble spoke about the council's vision to rebuild trust in the community and the importance of strengthening and growing the local and visitor economies.

The council's coordinator of strategic and land use planning Michael Park spoke about the agritourism definitions which would enable producers and landowners to host people and activities.

"Agriculture and tourism are a significant part of the economy, the region has a unique identity," he said.

"Rural landscapes and natural areas are a real attraction."

There were some clauses and amendments that would be approved at the Local Planning Panel meeting this month.

Birch Store and restaurant owner Glenn Wallace told the Southern Highland News that the new definitions would allow producers to increase business opportunities.

"It would make little businesses grow," he said.

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Collaborating with other local producers is already at the heart of the Moss Vale business' model, but the new allowances of the agritourism definitions would "expand the options".

He said doing onsite classes at different farm stays could be on the cards in the future.

Customised events like this would benefit many, and showcase the unique identity of the Highlands.

This could have a flow-on effect and encourage visitors to stay in the region longer.

"Day trips are lovely but staying two days and staying overnight ticks many boxes, it helps so many," he said.

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