If you're looking for a lively and vibrant Sunday activity in South Australia, look no further than the SA Farmers Market. Open every Sunday from 6 AM to 1 PM, this market is a treasure trove of farm-fresh produce and bric-a-brac. Located in Pooraka, it offers easy access with 700 on-site car parks available via Merchant Crescent and two pedestrian entry points on Burma Road and Diagonal Road.
One of the standout features of this market is its bustling vibe. With little activity elsewhere in South Australia on a Sunday, the SA Farmers Market becomes a hub of excitement. To add to the vibrant atmosphere, the market invites musicians and street entertainers to busk every Sunday from 6 AM to 1 PM. Buskers will find it a worthwhile location to share their talents, as most customers still carry cash, making it an ideal spot for performers.
Collectors, Bargins, Bric-a-Brac
Living down south and as a regular visitor, I can confidently say that the SA Farmers Market is worth the drive. I appreciate the great selection of South Australian-grown fruit and vegetables available here. It's heartening to know that the money goes straight to the growers supporting the local horticultural industry. In addition to fresh produce, stalls offer eggs, honey, olives, and freshly made bakery goods, showcasing the diverse range of local producers.
The market is mainly covered, providing a comfortable shopping experience, rain or shine. It's a paradise for food lovers, with abundant goodies filling your pantry and belly. Don't miss the on-site café, where you can enjoy one of the best coffees around and indulge in a selection of delicious café-style food. Despite the occasional long lines, the café staff are friendly and efficient and have a well-established groove that ensures quick and fast service.
Josie's Cafe located in the central building at the SA Produce Market
The SA Farmers Market is not just about fresh produce—it also offers a touch of nostalgia with its traditional style bric-a-brac section. Take some time to explore the trash and treasure stalls; you might just stumble upon a hidden bargain or two. Started on Sunday, 7 May, the market introduced an Art Craft Market, dedicating a fully undercover enclosed space, the Growers Shed, exclusively for art, craft, and market stalls. This addition adds another layer of excitement to the market's offerings.
Make sure to mark your calendar for the special event held on the first Sunday of every month. In 2023, the dates are as follows: Sunday 4 June, Sunday 2 July, Sunday 6 August, Sunday 3 September, Sunday 1 October, Sunday 5 November, and Sunday 3 December. These special market days feature home-based businesses, and marketing efforts will be in full swing to attract visitors. The market aims to accommodate 40-50 stalls but can cater for up to 100.
Parking is a breeze at the SA Farmers Market, with 700 on-site car parks available at no additional cost beyond the entry fee. Access to the car park is through the entrance gate on Merchant Crescent. Burma Road and Diagonal Road options are available if you prefer street parking. There are entry points for pedestrians from the main gatehouse on Burma Road and Diagonal Road.
If you're a stall holder interested in participating, note that gates open for seller setup from 4:50 AM to 6 AM. However, there is no seller vehicle access after 6 AM. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so there's no need to book in advance. Each stand is the size of a standard vehicle and is charged at $40. Remember that the sites are unpowered, and the market does not accept food vans or sellers of processed foods, as it is focused on fresh produce and bric-a-brac.
The SA Farmers Market is a testament to the thriving agricultural industry in South Australia, but it is just one part of a larger ecosystem. The South Australian Produce Market, the premier fresh produce wholesale market for the state, serves as the main trading hub for wholesalers, growers, and retail operators. With over 250,000 tonnes of fresh produce and a wholesale value exceeding $590 million traded annually, it plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry.
Beyond trade, the South Australian Produce Market also aims to educate the community about the health benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables. Through its associated businesses and programs, it promotes increased consumption, benefiting individuals and the entire industry.
The history of South Australia's produce market dates back to the mid-1800s when the government regulated the trading of fruit and vegetables. The East End Market Company and Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange were subsequently established to meet the growing demand. However, by the 1980s, Adelaide's wholesale market became insufficient due to population growth and rising costs. In response, the South Australian Produce Markets, a private company formed by growers, wholesalers, and retailers, constructed a new market complex in Pooraka. It opened its doors in October 1988 and became Australia's first privately owned market.
The SA Farmers Market and the South Australian Produce Market together form a dynamic ecosystem that supports local growers, connects producers with consumers, and fosters healthy competition within the industry. Whether you're a shopper, a stall holder, or simply someone looking for a vibrant Sunday experience, these markets provide a delightful and enriching environment to explore and enjoy.
For more information about the South Australian Produce Market, including contact details, please visit their website at
https://www.saproducemarket.com.au/contact-us/. It's a fascinating place to delve into the world of fresh produce and witness the thriving trade that drives South Australia's horticultural industry.
