Farmers Markets grow as public turn to local producers during pandemic

IT’S one of Toowoomba’s best pandemic success stories.

Since Robyn Ayles took over the running of the Toowoomba Farmers Markets in April 2019, she’d grown her average numbers of regular stall holders from about 15 to 50.

“And then in March this year we had to change the way we live,” she recalled.

COVID-19 restrictions came into play across the country and people were restricted to their homes, unless they were shopping for essentials or exercising.

So Mrs Ayles had to take out all the craft stalls, and focus on food.

Beverley Blanch picked up some lovely sunflowers with her daughters (from left) Kylie, Susan and Veronica Blanch at the Toowoomba Farmers' Market, Saturday, October 17, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“And just having that fresh, local food, in a safe environment – people could come shop outside and it was spread out,” she said.

“People got to know we were here and the fact there wasn’t many other markets meant the stallholders came every week too.”

The consistency meant shoppers came every week too, and when non-essential shopping was allowed again Mrs Ayles slowly rebuilt the craft stall base.

Fast forward seven months, and on Saturday, the Toowoomba Farmers Markets was bustling, with 92 separate businesses setting up stalls for the morning.

“And 99.9% of them live in Toowoomba and the surrounds,” Mrs Ayles said.

Bingalum's Irena Kobald with an example of her bioart on display at the Toowoomba Farmers' Market, Saturday, October 17, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I’m thrilled for them. My whole aim was for them to make money.”

The markets also cracked a new milestone during Carnival of Flowers, breaking the 100 stall mark for the first time.

The markets now average 70-90 stalls a week.

Mrs Ayles said there’d “absolutely” been a shift to buying local off the back of the pandemic.

“I think people have actually realised how important it is to support your local area, because before it didn’t matter to people where their stuff came from,” she said.

“But I think it is important now. They’ve seen you can actually be stuck in your own local community and seen how important it is to support your local businesses.

“And it’s wonderful to see.”

The Toowoomba Farmers Markets can be found next to the Cobb and Co Museum every Saturday from 7am until noon.