Farmers’ market finds stride

SWAN Hill’s Farmer’s Market has received a welcome boost to it’s confidence when numbers at this month’s market swelled to a record high. Farmer’s Market secretary Jessie Kiley admitted the market had faced challenges since kicking off 18 months ago but felt last weeks attendance was a positive sign. 

“It was a perfect day weather wise and that always helps,” Ms Kiley said.

“It always takes time to build customer’s confidence in the stall holders and we knew it wouldn’t happen over night.”

Ms Kiley also wanted to set straight information pertaining to new stall holders and the belief that there could only be one stall holder of a particular product. .

“There’s been a common misconception that we strictly only allow one of each produce type but this is not correct,” she said. 

“We assess each prospective stall holder on an individual case basis.

“For example, just because we have an egg supplier at the market does not mean that all other eggs suppliers are excluded.

“We can look at the difference between each product and it’s production method to identify variety in the same item.

“This could relate to the growing method or the feeding method and I would urge anyone thinking of having a stall to get in contact with our market manager.” 

Ms Kiley said the market was currently seeking a vegetable seller. 

“We don’t have anyone who can provide a full array of vegetables so if anybody is interested we would love to hear from them.

“It’s also a great opportunity for anyone who might have thought about growing something different or unique to have a go and we can provide the platform for sales,” she said.