Geelong is set to celebrate its new and accredited Pako Farmers’ Market next month at Ashby Primary School in Geelong West, bringing fresh, seasonal produce direct from farmers to the plates of locals.
The Andrews Labor Government provided Melbourne Farmers’ Market with a $30,000 grant to locate a suitable site, consult the community, and undertake a range of establishment activities to get the market up and running.
The inaugural Pako Farmers’ Market will be held Saturday 14 October 2017 between 8.00am-1.00pm, at Ashby Primary and will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month thereafter.
The Pako Farmers’ Market will be the first accredited farmers’ market in Geelong City, meaning consumers can be guaranteed the produce they purchase has been grown directly by the seller.
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.
Farmers' Markets across Victoria contribute $227 million to the Victorian economy and provide business opportunities for regional food producers, build relationships between consumers and producers, and encourage community connectedness.
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 boost jobs through flow-on sales in nearby towns.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Buying local produce feels good, tastes good, and is good for our farmers. The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the new Pako Farmers’ Market in Geelong, giving consumers that true paddock to plate experience for all to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We’re proud to add another reason to experience the best that Geelong and our region has to offer. Our farmers are responsible for some of the best produce – now it’s time to share it with the rest of the state.
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
"We are so lucky, as a region, to have such a variety of growers and this enables them to showcase the quality and freshness of locally grown produce."
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“Geelong West’s very own Farmers’ Market will boost local businesses by attracting more visitors and ensuring that all profits remain within our food and fibre region across Barwon.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The new Geelong Farmer’s Market provides a unique opportunity to support local producers, but also our local economy – and that’s great news for all across the supply chain.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020