Farmers wanted for city markets

So great is the need to attract more vendors to sell their produce in authentic farmers’ markets, two State government authorities have initiated a series of regional recruitment workshops to promote the benefits of farmgate-to-plate supply channel marketing to primary and artisan food producers.

The Market Power Workshops will roll-out across four regions of NSW in October, supported jointly by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, operator of the weekly The Rocks Farmers’ Market, and Redfern Waterloo Authority, operator of the weekly Eveleigh Farmers’ Market.

The core message of the workshop series is ‘The City Needs You!’

"There is an urgent requirement to attract more farmers and growers to participate in these weekly food markets, to explain to them the commercial benefits of selling direct to shoppers in well-run authentic farmers’ markets," said Debra Dawson, GM The Rocks and Circular Quay, for the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

"Thousands of shoppers attend both The Rocks and Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets every week, filling trolleys, baskets, bike panniers and backpacks with seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, chickens, eggs and cheese. Existing stallholders sell out. We need more fresh produce to meet customer demand."

For more information on these workshops, or to register, contact Sarah MCann on 02 9240 8717 or email sarah.mccann@shfa.nsw.gov.au or go to www.therocks.com or www.eveleighmarket.com.au

Source: www.foodweek.com.au/main-features-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=5084