A MYSTERY cook-off between a Masterchef finalist and one of Ballina's award-winning chefs will be held at Summerland House Farm's annual Country Fair next month.

Jules Allen (pictured), of Lennox Head, is gearing up to take on Ballina RSL's executive chef Gerhard Spatz at the event on Sunday, September 15.

It's going to be a close race.

The chefs don't know what ingredients they will have to work with on the day - instead they'll be digging into a box of produce sourced from within the Ballina Shire.

And if that's not enough, the organisers of the cook-off will be adding another twist to the mix.

Expect to see a few "tricky items" added to the box of ingredients, designed to challenge the chefs' creativity and spontaneity.

The mystery cook-off will be hosted by gardening guru Phil Dudman.

Summerland House Farm's Lisa Murphy said it was sure to be one of the highlights of the Country Fair, which is becoming one the region's most popular annual events.

This year the event will kick off at 9am and continue until 4pm.

The focus is on environmental sustainability and community spirit and the program will have plenty of family activities, attractions and entertainment, including a Bush Poets Breakfast, live music, tractor tours, regional fine food and wine tastings.