WAFMA FARMERS’ MARKET RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH UWA

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In 2018, the University of Western Australia (UWA) will be working with the Western Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (WAFMA) to develop new research on the importance of farmers’ markets for regional development.

The research project will focus on the reasons why food producers choose to sell at farmers’ markets.  This will include identifying the economic and social drivers and constraints for participation in farmers’ markets, the potential multiplier effects for regional agribusinesses, and may include a short survey of farmers’ market consumers.

Ms Helena Shojaei, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning student, has been awarded a prestigious UWA Agribusiness Connect Honours/Masters Regional Research Scholarship to help finance this research.  The scholarship is funded by the Government of Western Australia’s Royalties for Region program.  Ms Shojaei has recently finished a double major in agricultural science, and human geography and planning.

The project will be supervised by Dr Natasha Paull and Prof Fiona Haslam McKenzie of the School of Agriculture and Environment and Centre for Regional Development, UWA.

More details:  Jenny Payet  0457 340 736

Meet researcher Helena Shojaei

WA FARMERS MARKET RESEARCH

DELICIOUS PRODUCE AWARDS 2018 – NOMINATIONS OPEN!

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Applications for the 2018 delicious.  Produce Awards Outstanding Farmers’ Market award are now open!

This national award showcases and celebrates excellence and true authenticity in Australia’s farmers’ markets.

The 2018 delicious. Produce Awards’ Outstanding Farmers’ Market award will be presented to a farmers’ market that, in the judges’ opinions, stands out as a vibrant and engaging community focused market and which displays true authenticity, based on the following definition:  ‘A Farmers’ Market is a predominantly fresh food market that operates regularly within a community, at a focal public location that provides a suitable environment for farmers and specialty food producers to sell farm-origin and associated value-added specialty foods for human consumption directly to customers.’

Definition sourced from the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association.  Please note: An authentic farmers’ market excludes resellers, and arts and craft goods, unless made on-farm from farm origin product.

More details about this award and the 2018 application form can be accessed here  https://<https://goo.gl/forms/2ZDJ3KEZbsztSzVI3> .

To be considered for this award, you must be an authentic farmers’ market based on the criteria outlined above, and, submit a completed application form by 5pm AEDT on Wednesday, 14 February, 2018.

For more details on this year’s delicious.  Produce Awards, click here <https://www.delicious.com.au/people-events/produce-awards/article/2018-delicious-produce-awards/q42T5cfU> .

DELICIOUS PRODUCE AWARDS 2018 NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW!

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This national award showcases and celebrates excellence and true authenticity in Australia’s farmers’ markets.

The 2018 delicious.  Produce Awards’ Outstanding Farmers’ Market award will be presented to a farmers’ market that, in the judges’ opinions, stands out as a vibrant and engaging community focused market and which displays true authenticity, based on the following definition:  A Farmers’ Market that is a predominantly fresh food market that operates regularly within a community, at a focal public location that provides a suitable environment for farmers and specialty food producers to sell farm-origin and associated value-added specialty foods for human consumption, and plant products, directly to customers.‘

Definition sourced from the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association. Please note: An authentic farmers’ market excludes resellers, and arts and craft goods, unless made on-farm from farm origin product.

More details about this award and the 2018 Application Form can be accessed here https://goo.gl/forms/2ZDJ3KEZbsztSzVI3.  To be considered for this award, you must be an authentic farmers’ market based on the criteria outlined above, and, submit a completed application form by 5pm AEDT on Wednesday, 14 February, 2018.

For more details on this year’s delicious.  Produce Awards, click here https://www.delicious.com.au/people-events/produce-awards/article/2018-delicious-produce-awards/q42T5cfU.

 

More info:  Lucy Allon  0419 299 862

WA FARMERS’ MARKETS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES WEBSITE

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The WA Farmers’ Markets Association has launched a website – a terrific platform for all WA farmers, stakeholders and shoppers keen to support authentic farmers’ markets and keep abreast of the latest developments in this important sector.  There are now 22 Farmers’ markets trading regularly in WA.

Check out the list and the site:  https://www.farmersmarketswa.org.au/wa-markets

 

 

NEW ALLIANCE FOR NSW FARMERS’ MARKETS

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Calling all fans of NSW farmers’ markets – the new Farmers Markets Alliance of NSW has recently been launched to represent the interests of authentic farmers’ markets and advocate for the sector in NSW.  The organisers are building a statewide network to elevate the awareness and authenticity of NSW farmers’ markets.  Let’s strengthen the community around fair and local food!

More details:  FMANSW President  Kate Raymond   0413 920 620

https://www.fmansw.org.au

2017 OUTSTANDING FARMERS MARKET AWARD GOES TO… HARVEST LAUNCESTON

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The premier national award for Farmers’ Markets is the Delicious Magazine Produce Awards ‘Best Farmers’ Market’ – a coveted accolade.

Congratulations to the 2017 Winner – Harvest Launceston – a Saturday weekly market that five years on is an integral part of the Launceston community.  Shop there for amazing quality vegetables and fruit, local creamy Tassie butter, artisan cheese, seafood, paddock raised eggs, free-range meats, honey, nuts, olive oils, preserves and so much more.  Truly authentic, with generous smiles and salsa dancing.

Definitely detour-worthy!

HARVEST LAUNCESTON FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm
Cimitiere Street, Launceston

Congratulations too go to the other farmers’ market finalists: Albany Farmers’ Market (WA), Willunga Farmers’ Market (SA) and SAGE Moruya Farmers’ Market (NSW)

DELICIOUS PRODUCE AWARDS 2017 FINALISTS

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Drum roll for the four farmers’ market finalists in the Delicious 2017 Produce Awards… and it seems clear the judges vote is for consistency, authenticity and community outreach.

Take a bow Harvest Launceston, Willunga Farmers Market, SAGE Farmers Market Moruya and Albany Farmers Market Western Australia – four of Australia’s longest running farmers’ markets that continue to thrive and set the highest standards.

The winner will be announced on Monday 7 August in Melbourne  https://https://www.delicious.com.au/people-events/produce-awards/article/fancy-fresh-produce-these-australias-top-farmers-markets/MC9zjwn3

 

FACT SHEET: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING

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The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (AFMA) has developed a COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING FACT SHEET to assist stakeholders in the farmers’ market sector understand the new food labelling standards.  These standards become mandatory in July 2018.

All market stallholders, managers, and market committees are advised to carefully investigate how the new food label provisions affect their business.

The FACT SHEET is intended to provide an introduction to the new standards – but AFMA accepts no liability in relation to the information provided, its interpretation or compliance.  Food producers are requested to consult the various government agencies (links provided) for additional clarity or information regarding the new food labels.

DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET HERE:

CoOL FOOD LABELLING FACT SHEET

BOOTS FOR CHANGE WINS PHILANTHROPY AUSTRALIA AWARD

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The AFMA national BOOTS FOR CHANGE 2016 campaign has been highly acclaimed at the 2017 Philanthropy Australia Awards winning SPECIAL MENTION in the BEST SMALL GRANT category (under $50,000).

In fact the FRRR Grant to AFMA to create the BOOTS FOR CHANGE campaign was $10,000. That seed funding (and leveraged philanthropic partnerships) was deployed to create a national campaign to raise awareness of farmers’ markets and the beneficial role they play in supporting Australian farming families.

‘The impact of BOOTS FOR CHANGE was simply astounding. The total national spend at these markets tallied more than $17 million. The social media coverage reached an audience 0f 1.75million Australians. At least 48% of markets reported increased shopper numbers as a result of the campaign, and 99% of market managers were extremely satisfied,’ said Boots For Change project manager, Jane Adams.

‘ The power of BOOTS FOR CHANGE lies in its simplicity. Everyone can pull on a pair of boots as a gesture of support for our hardworking farmers and food producers.’

BOOTS FOR CHANGE Market Days ran throughout April 2016 in 56 farmers’ markets Australia-wide. The campaign hosted a total of 96 markets that engaged 3000-plus farmer stallholders and reached 180,000-plus shoppers in all states.

More information: Jane Adams M: 0417 733715 E: info@farmersmarkets.org.au

 

CYCLONE DEBBIE APPEAL LAUNCHED

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AFMA is partnering with FRRR (www.frrr.org.au) to support the many farmers so severely affected by Cyclone Debbie in QLD and the NSW Northern Rivers. Market managers in farmers’ markets across Australia are being invited to host ‘Cyclone Debbie Appeal’ Market Days to raise funds to support the farmers in affected areas.

The Appeal Call-out link below includes fund raising ideas and details for remittance to FRRR of funds raised. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Please support this appeal to help farmers and their families rebuild their farming businesses and lives after this major disaster.

If you are a market manager – please rally your stallholders and shoppers to support this appeal.

Farmers market shoppers please give generously!

Cyclone Debbie AFMA :FRRR Appeal