SUPPORT from the community is being sought for a farmers’ market in Swan Hill.
Swan Hill’s Economic Development Unit is exploring the idea of a regular farmers’ market, responding to a high volume of interest from the community.
Those interested in being a part of the Swan Hill Region Farmers’ Market Steering Committee, headed by Councillor Jessie Kiley, are being asked to contact council.
The working group will explore provisions and logistics of the proposal thanks to state government funding of $8500 as part of the Regional Growth Fund.
Working group members will look into the level of support from both producers and community members, as well as everything involved in running and managing a regular farmers’ market.
The location, frequency and sustainability of the market will all be considered as part of the feasibility process.
SWAN Hill Rural City Council economic development manager Janelle Earle said the support so far shown for the market had been overwhelming.
“There are lots of people in the community who are interested in being a part of a working group and in selling their produce,” Ms Earle said.
However, without a committed working group dedicated to the task the market would not be possible.
“There needs to be a key group of people who are willing to put in the time and the effort during this process, that’s the most important thing,” she said.
Ms Earle said the success of other farmers’ markets in surrounding areas may have influenced public opinion.
“The Swan Hill region has always been known for its produce and we haven’t had a shortage of that and we do have farmer’s markets that are successful in our municipality,” she said.
“It seems like people have decided they want to develop their businesses and so there is a more keen group of people looking at the idea.”
Funding from the state government has made it possible to thoroughly explore the concept.
For the full story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (May 7).
