The Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) Southern Region Barista Guild is planning a trip to origin – in Australia.

For the first time, the Guild is coordinating an origin trip from 2 – 4 September, and is seeking interested members.

“This is a great opportunity for baristas and the wider coffee community to explore origin in our own backyard, minus the overseas price tag,” Head of ASCA South Regional Barista Guild David Boudrie says. “The trip is a chance for people to get up close with coffee production, network with industry members, and get first-hand education about our country’s own coffee production.”

The proposed agenda includes a farm tour at Wirui Estate on the Saturday, where participants can taste local and international coffees, engage in in-depth discussions about Australian coffee growing conditions, industry structure and quality and supply capabilities.

David Pealey, Agronomist and industry advisor will present an overview of Australia’s coffee growing history and development, and provide an update on his recent trip to Colombia on behalf of the local growers association seeking new varietals to grow in Australia.

On the Sunday, the tour group will travel to Byron Blue coffee estate for a farm tour where they will experience a detailed inspection of the farm’s wet and dry mill equipment and facilities.

A visit to Marvell Street Roasters in Byron Bay will take place in the afternoon, to conclude a complete crop to cup experience.

Pricing will be approximately $600 for members, and $650 for non-members. Anyone interested must register their interest by 15 July 2016 by emailing info@aasca.com