More farmers' markets are popping up all over the country, which is good news for everyone given they provide fresh, seasonal produce, support local growers and makers, and create a convivial community atmosphere. There's one, however, that I'm particularly excited about and that's the
Melbourne Showgrounds Farmers' Market. Why? Because it's open every single Sunday, unlike most which run monthly.
This means you can pick up your fresh goodies regularly and don't have to agonise over decisions about whether to buy your carrots at the supermarket or wait until next market. It means you can fill your fridge and pantry with the freshest available produce regularly, consistently, and forever. Amen.
I also like the fact that it's on a Sunday, which is a much more leisurely day than Saturdays, when most of us are busy messing about with domestics, running around doing jobs, and cramming the roads.
So, what's the deal? The Melbourne Showgrounds are in Ascot Vale. The market doesn't open until 9am, so you don't need to get up at the crack of dawn. The market is the result of a collaboration between the
Victorian Farmers' Market Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, bringing a true slice of rural life to the city.
It's also the first farmers' market to be established with Victorian Farmers' Market Association accreditation, which is a guarantee that stallholders grow or make the goods they sell. That means no re-sellers are buying gear and upping the price before selling you less-than-the freshest food.
Even though the market only opened in April, it already has lots of stallholders, which is pretty rare given markets often take time to establish themselves and grow. Check out the long list of stallholders (5 pages at the time of writing)
here. I also like the fact that you can click on each stallholder and find out more about what they sell, where it's grown or produced, and who they are.
Bring a trolley or environmentally-friendly shopping bags because you won't find a plastic bag within koowee of the place.
If you're keen to find farmers' markets in your particular area in any state, see the Australian Farmers' Markets Association
website.
