Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market celebrates fifth birthday, after a major year of growth in 2020

A Mackay farmers market celebrating its fifth birthday experienced major growth through Covid-19, bucking a trend that pressured many businesses worldwide.

Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market president Deb McLucas. Picture: Matthew Forrest

A celebration of fresh fruit and vegetables was held on Wednesday with the fifth birthday of the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market.

The market’s stall numbers and customers grew through 2020, despite Covid-19 impacting many small businesses around Australia.

The farmers market was deemed an essential service as a supplier of fresh and locally-sourced produce, and it has resulted in major growth to the businesses.

Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market president Deb McLucas said the marketplace had grown since its inception, but the community’s desire to support local business was a major reason for growth through 2020.

“We actually had a positive impact from Covid, it gave us a huge boost from local support as they looked to shop local and find fresh produce during a time where people are thinking more about their health,” she said.

“The number of shoppers actually doubled in a week after the initial restrictions were announced, and had doubled again after a month.

“People were more interested in shopping in an outdoors, non-confined environment rather than being in a busy supermarket.”

The markets held on the banks of the Pioneer River was bustling with activity, as customers shopped for their fresh produce.

“To start anything from scratch is a big effort, we’ve had our ups and downs but to reach five years of operation and doing it while getting bigger and stronger each year is very exciting for us,” Mrs McLucas said.

About 80 per cent of stalls are consistent every week, but seasonal produce is also sold at the markets.

“Most of our stallholders come every week, but we do have some who are seasonal that come depending on when they have produce,” Mrs McLucas said.

“People love the fact they can talk to the farmers, learn directly from the person who produced it, and it creates a real experience that customers value.

It’s great for families and kids who have the opportunity to learn about where their food comes from, it’s a real experience and it has been wonderful to see the sense of community build around the markets.”

The markets operate every Wednesday at Bluewater Quay from 6.30am-10.30am.

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Originally published as Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market celebrates fifth birthday, after a major year of growth in 2020