The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (AFMA) was founded in 2003 and continues to advocate and represent the vibrant farmers’ market sector nationally. Farmers’ markets are a vital link in Australia’s food chain and contribute to farmers, and rural and regional economies; and to the health of countless families shopping for fresh seasonal food direct from the growers and artisan food producers.
The Chairman’s Report was presented at the recent 2018 AFMA AGM.
Griffith University and the NSW Local Health District in the Northern Rivers region have collaborated to research regional food shopping habits and the costs of basic fresh foods at farmers’ markets versus other food stores and supermarkets. The initial findings may surprise you….
The representative seasonal food baskets point strongly to the fact that local fruit and veg shopped direct from the grower may be the cheapest way to shop…it’s certainly the freshest. 
Read more here:
Delve into the #HarvestTrailReport2018 launched today by the Fair Work Ombudsman and you will discover one statistic that should spark the serious attention of all farmers’ market managers and stallholders.
The report claims supermarkets are rivaled by farmers’ markets as a preferred food shopping option – if time wasn’t an issue. The research states 14% of shoppers are regulars at farmers’ markets, but…
‘When asked where people would shop if time wasn’t an issue, every shopping venue increased apart from supermarkets, which fell from 91% to 64%. Greengrocers increased from 34% to 58% and farmers’ markets from 14% to 57%! ’
So all we need now is to make more time, grab the trolley and head on down to a local farmers market!
www.fairwork.gov.au
Reducing waste matters. And farmers’ markets can lead the way! Simple steps can make a big impact. Whether you sell or shop at a farmers’ market do what you can to reduce food, packaging and other waste on market day!
The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (AFMA) MARKET WASTE MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET is now available as a Free Download from https://farmersmarkets.org.au/market-waste-management-fact-sheet-launched
Drum roll and fanfare for Australia’s Most Outstanding Farmers Market… Margaret River Farmers’ Market winner at #DeliciousProduceAwards2018. Congrats to market manager Kat Lombardo, the passionate producers and supportive ‘Margs’ community.
Serious clapping too for finalists Willunga Farmers Market and Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market at Abbotsford Convent
Thanks to delicious. Australia for supporting authentic farmers markets, farmers and Australian artisan food producers.
Find your nearest farmers market www.farmersmarkets.org.au
Does your work involve supporting healthy food availability, access and use in the Western Australia ‘South West’ region? South West Food Community is a new project which aims to understand the current initiatives supporting food security in the region. A comprehensive mapping of these local initiatives is currently underway, which involves participating in an interview or focus group. We are keen to capture as many initiatives that exist in the South West region. If you would like us to include your South West initiative, or to find out more about the project, please contact s.godrich@ecu.edu.au <mailto:s.godrich@ecu.edu.au>
Drum roll for the three Farmers’ Market finalists in the delicious. Australia 2018 #produceawards:
* Abbotsford Convent Farmers’ Market (by Slow Food Melbourne) (VIC)
* Margaret River Farmers’ Market (WA)
* Willunga Farmers Market (SA)
All are terrific contenders and exponents of authentic farmers’ markets that support local farmers and their communities.
Winner of Australia’s Outstanding Farmers’ Market will be announced in mid-August!
AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC Magazine examines ‘new’ trends in Australian farming and food production – which of course include farmers’ markets!
Click here to read all about it!
Fremantle Media producers of the TV series THE GREAT AUSTRALIA BAKE-OFF are casting the next series and are looking for talented bakers. Dab hands with pies, pastries, crusty loaves, cookies and cakes all count.
So if you make and sell baked goods in a farmers’ market – or know shoppers who are keen on flour power and fancy their baking talent, suggest they check out the casting process. Applications close end February.
More details: http://www.bakeoff.castasugar.com
