Why the trolls are wrong on farmers’ market
Farmers’ market s are vital to regions and the farmers who supply them, argues KATE ARCHDEACON.
THE farmers’ market sector has been receiving consistent and welcome support throughout the turbulent times of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the forced closures of some farmers’ markets is causing damage to regional economies that is unnecessary and avoidable.
The online abuse some market operators are experiencing (‘Online abuse forces farmers’ market closures’ TWT Aug 5), along with the accompanying online opinion poll asking if farmers’ markets should remain open, highlight a critical misunderstanding about farmers’ markets and their importance to regional food systems.
Farmers’ markets are classed as essential food retail by the State Government under the Chief Medical Officer’s directions for operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accredited Victorian farmers’ markets provide spaces to sell direct to the public, where the whole dollar goes to the farmers and food producers.
This system provides food security for communities and business certainty for farmers, thus securing jobs and reliable food supplies.
During this pandemic our network of accredited farmers’ markets has continued to provide seasonal, diverse and abundant fresh food to local communities in outdoor, open-air settings. Managers have introduced stringent protocols and practices to ensure compliance with DHHS directives for social distancing and hygiene, providing CovidSAFE spaces to shop, and actively discouraging social gatherings within the markets.
Increased local support for farmers through the markets is a common experience to our members, as described in the most recent edition of The Weekly Times’ Farm magazine (‘Elphinstone growers stunned by pandemic rush on apples’ TWT Aug 5).
It’s absolutely critical at this time that accredited farmers’ markets and the farmers and food producers who sell through them continue to be supported and celebrated to ensure our local food system survives.
Kate Archdeacon is Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association executive officer
MORE
ONLINE ABUSE FORCES FARMERS’ MARKET CLOSURES
Fonterra steps up farmgate figure for New Zealand suppliers
New Zealand suppliers of Fonterra have received some welcome news from the Auckland-based processor — but it’s still the farmgate status quo for Australian farmers.
Top tales of survival in the bush
The miraculous discovery of missing man Robert Weber is just the latest tale of survival in the bush in Australia. These are some of the most famous and heartwarming from our history.