We are seeking genuine producers to complement the current range of producer-stallholders.

“This year is the Market’s 19th year in operation. As with Farmers Markets worldwide, stallholder changes do happen over time and some farmers occasionally retire. Whilst this is the case for a few of our farmers who are hanging up their farming boots and calling it a day, it really does open up exciting opportunities for new faces,” said Market Manager, Sarah Power.

“And so we’re seeking expressions of interest from genuine small farmers and landholders specialising in fresh produce from in and around the Canberra region to continue our well-respected fresh food offering.

“Applicants will need to offer fresh grown, farmed or raised produce, and we’re putting the call out to anyone in the Canberra region and surrounds including Goulburn, Yass Valley, Riverina, Southern Tablelands, South Coast, Sydney and the Snowies,” Sarah continued.

“Specifically, we’re looking for producers who may specialise in poultry (including chicken, duck and turkey), goat and game meat, nuts, fruits such as avocado, kiwi fruit, blueberries, all citrus and stone fruit, micro greens, vegetables such as asparagus and specialty varieties. We’ll also be taking expressions of interest from any genuine producers to make up a waitlist of potential stallholders for our produce that is already well represented at the market.”

Our Market began in 2003 as a project by the Rotary Club of Hall. At the time, droughts had put an emphasis on the plight of Canberra and region farmers, wholesale arrangements were inadequate and farmers just couldn’t sell through commercial means. Over the years, the Market has seen many successes and now offers approximately 100 stallholders onsite each week who bring their freshly picked, grown and handmade produce to Market.

“We have between 4000-7000 customers each Saturday morning, and despite the challenges that Covid has served up, the Market has remained strong, continuing to connect Canberrans with fresh produce – even when supermarkets were seeing food shortages and supply issues – and providing a livelihood for local and region farmers and growers,” Sarah continued.

One such farmer/grower is the Harrison Family who bring their seasonal produce such as stone fruit and vegetables to Market each season, having done so for 16 years.

“The Market has been a wonderful outlet for us. We are able to sell our produce direct to the customer and share a genuine farm to plate experience with them. The Market has enriched our lives, supported us financially, and we have made so many life-long friends with other stallholders and the customers we see returning each week,” said Tracey Harrison.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for small farmers and landholders just like us to become part of a direct farm to consumer chain – one which has a strong reputation and loyal following each week,” Tracey concluded.

We are seeking expressions of interest from genuine producers which complement the current range of producer-stallholders. Key requirements are that they be an authentic producer and attend the Market in person.

Those interested should review the current stallholder profile and market rules via www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au and then contact Market Manager, Sarah Power, 0400 852 227 or [email protected] For more information on the Market visit www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au