Premier

Geelong’s Farmers Market Gets Growing

19 May 2016

Geelong is a step closer to a new and accredited Farmers’ Market that will bring fresh, seasonal produce direct from local farmers to the Geelong community.

Treasurer Tim Pallas today announced a $30,000 grant to commence community consultation and the scoping out of a suitable site for the market, as well as costing analysis, market strategy and an audit of regional growers and producers.

Following on from that, the grant will also contribute towards:

  • Establishing an accredited farmers’ market
  • Implementing stall holder training
  • Recruiting a market manager
  • Providing farmers’ market management tools
  • Purchasing necessary assets
  • Developing marketing and promotional material
  • Providing market launch day activities

Currently, there are no accredited farmers’ markets in Geelong City, with the community now able to benefit from the economic and community advantages they provide.

Farmers’ markets are an important source of income for small agricultural businesses in regional Victoria as all profits go straight to the local producer and serve to strengthen the local economy.

They also provide consumers with the assurance that all produce they purchase has been directly grown by the seller and provide regular meeting opportunities for local producers and community members.

In addition to the role they play within a local community, farmers’ markets also act as a tourism attraction for many regions and help to stimulate local economies and boosting jobs through flow-on sales in nearby towns.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting grants to help establish farmers’ markets in regional Victoria through the Farmers’ Markets Support Program which helps markets operate as economically sustainable community events that bring local produce direct from farmers to consumers.

The grant will be managed by the Melbourne Farmers’ Market, who have managed and facilitated eight farmers’ markets within Melbourne and one regionally for the last ten years.

Quotes attributable to State Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the establishment of an accredited farmers’ market in Geelong providing local producers with an outlet to sell direct to consumers and their communities.”

“Accredited farmers’ markets can strengthen local regional economies by attracting visitation and ensuring that all profits remain within the region.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“Farmers’ markets bring communities together and we are excited at the prospect of a new market in Geelong, making it an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?