The Brumby Labor Government is supporting the establishment of a farmers’ market in Strathbogie Shire with the help of a $7,200 grant announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Ms Broad said the Strathbogie Shire Council would develop a plan to examine the feasibility of holding farmers’ markets in several communities across the shire.
“The Upper Goulburn Region has developed a diverse range of alternative agriculture and horticulture products as well as numerous businesses that add value to those products,” Ms Broad said.
“A local farmers market would provide a wonderful outlet for those products.
“With that in mind, Strathbogie Shire called for expressions of interest from organisations interested in participating in farmers markets.
“There was great interest, so the Shire has decided that the fairest way to proceed was to manage the farmers’ market plan process in consultation with the community.
“The outcome of the study will identify those towns most likely to be successful at hosting a sustainable farmers market,” Ms Broad said.
The towns under consideration for hosting a market are Ruffy, Strathbogie, Avenel, Euroa and Boho South.
Ms Broad said farmers’ markets provided an opportunity for producers to sell their produce directly to consumers.
“Farmers’ markets provide a healthy, affordable and fresh food supply for the local community, and enable people to get more information about the availability, seasonality and origins of their food,” Ms Broad said.
“Farmers’ markets also provide producers in a region with an opportunity to work together in identifying new business prospects, particularly in relation to supply chains,” she said.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government funding would be provided to Strathbogie Shire Council through Regional Development Victoria’s Farmers’ Markets Program.
“The $2 million Farmers’ Markets Program was established to help farmers’ markets across Victoria grow and operate as economically sustainable community events that bring clean, green, local produce direct from farmer to consumer,” Ms Broad said.