Why should you buy from a farmers' market?

Buying food from a farmers' market is a great way to buy food that is grown locally and in season. The food is often incredibly fresh as it hasn't had to travel great distances to get to you.

Buying from a farmers' market also allows you to get to know the people who have grown or produced the food. You'll find that many of them share your passion for food!

You can find your nearest farmers' market by visiting the Australian Farmers' Markets Association's (AFMA) state directories.

What is a farmers' market?

According to AFMA, a farmers' market is "a predominantly fresh food market that operates regularly within a community, at a focal public location that provides a suitable environment for farmers and food producers to sell farm-origin and associated value-added processed food products directly to customers."

What are the benefits of a farmers' market?

Farmers' markets operate with multiple beneficial aims. According to AFMA, the four primary aims are:

1. To preserve farmland and sustainable agriculture.
2. To support and stimulate the profitable trading, viability and business growth of independent primary producers, hobby farmers, community and home gardeners and associated produce value-adders.
3. To provide customers with regular supplies of fresh food and access to improved nutrition.
4. To contribute to the economic, social and health capital of the host community.

What are the benefits to the community?

According to AFMA, farmers' markets are an integral part of the host community and aim to provide various economic, social and health benefits including:

• Support of sustainable agricultural practices
• Food and nutrition education
• Promotion of fresh produce consumption
• Revitalisation of town and public space
• Regeneration of community spirit
• Rural/urban linkages
• Facilitation of community based food security program
• Recycling of green waste and appropriate packaging

For more detailed information visit the AFMA website.