A quiet but very strong revolution is taking place in many rural and country centres around Australia which will have a direct and lasting effect on the way we buy our food , how we cook our food and our whole outlook on the local environment in which our food is produced

This Revolution is called 'Farmers Markets'. They are springing up in rural areas around the country where local communities and authorities want to promote the area in which they live through the food and other produce grown in their region.

The purpose of a Regional Farmers Market is to reconnect shoppers to the people who produce their food for their mutual benefit and enjoyment. Consumers have become more discerning about the quality of the food they place on their tables, Farmers Markets are providing an opportunity for you to talk with producers and learn more about the various products, nutrients, uses and innovative recipes etc.…. on offer at farmers markets.

Farmers Markets promote a more sustainable society by reducing 'food miles' assisting in the sale and marketing of food produced to high environmental standards and by reconnecting consumers with the farming community that surrounds and serves them.

The connection of 'grower to consumer' fosters community spirit and appreciation and respect for fresh clean food and the environment. It also strengthens the local economy, providing greater returns to the grower and excellent value to the customer.

The Selection of produce will vary with both location and season. The markets aim for an atmosphere, which is vibrant, up-beat and fun, helping to re-vitalise rural centres and make shopping a sociable and enjoyable experience.

Nowhere else will you find such a mixture of fresh and locally produced goods. The public can be confident of the origins of the food they eat and get closer to the sources of local foods. Farmers Markets are the embodiment of the availability of home grown foods.

Most markets have strict criteria for producers to adhere to in order to sell their produce at the market. The integrity of the product is a key ingredient to the success of each market. The prime aim of the market must be to develop a creative and stimulating environment where consumers and producers are brought together.

There is no craft or bric-a-brac at Farmers Markets. The market manager will assess the diversity of stalls and will, if necessary, limit the number of producers with the same product to protect the commercial viability of stallholders, with the emphasis being on local producers always having priority over producers from outside the area.

Most markets are usually held once a month on a Saturday morning, starting at around 8.00a.m. and running until 1.00 p.m. To have more regular markets often puts a greater strain on the producers to maintain higher stock levels which takes them out of the 'farm' and into the supermarket!

With properly based criteria and good manager, a Farmers Market can lift the profile of a specific area and bring the rural community together to create a real sense of pride and ownership in the land and people who live and work in that region.