AN ARTISAN cheese factory and tourist attraction, worth $350,000, is to be built at Burringbar by fourth-generation dairy farmer Rob Harnett and his wife Sue.

The development, which was recently approved by Tweed Shire Council, will comprise a shop and cafe alongside the production base for Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses, which Mrs Harnett founded in 2008.

The Harnett's aim is for 'Cheese on Tweed' at their 87ha property on the Old Pacific Hwy to be a showcase for local produce and provide a "pasture to platter" experience for visitors.

Production of the Harnett's cheese was paused 18 months ago while planning was under way for the new facility which it is hoped will be up and running within six months.

"The theme for the whole complex will be based on sustainable farming, local food, local people and promotion of the Tweed as a food destination," Mrs Harnett said.

"For Tweed Valley farmers to remain viable, they need to be able to differentiate and showcase produce direct to the public.

"As soon as the cows are milked, that milk will be turned into cheese and yoghurt.

"When a customer asks, 'is this yoghurt fresh' and you can say 'it was still in the cow yesterday' - it's a fairly unique experience."

The couple, one of just nine dairy farmers left in the Tweed shire, supply the farmer-owned co-operative Norco which has allowed them to use 10% of their raw milk to supply their farm cheese factory.

The facility will be built in four stages starting with the cheese factory.

The couple, aided by their extended family, are aiming to attract bus groups, school tours and tourists to the facility.

"To our knowledge there are no such outlets in the Richmond/Tweed area and we hope that the Tweed can lead the way in encouraging sustainable agri-business models to other neighbouring areas," Mrs Harnett said.