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Coalition Delivers $2 Million To Enhance Victoria'S Popular Farmers' Markets

Access to fresh food and produce at Victoria’s popular farmers’ markets will be enhanced with $2 million for the Farmers’ Market Support Program.

By Russell Northe - 15th July 2011 - Back to News

Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the $2 million program would be delivered over four years to help cement Victoria’s position as the farmers’ market capital of Australia.

"There are about 90 farmers’ markets operating across Victoria which contribute an estimated $227 million to the state’s economy," Mr Northe said.

"Of these, there are a number which operate within the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region, which are very popular in the community.

"Farmers’ markets provide a healthy, affordable and fresh food supply for the local community and educate people about the availability, seasonality and origins of their food.

"They also provide producers in a region with an opportunity to work together in identifying new business prospects, particularly in relation to supply chains."

Mr Northe said the program would include funding for local councils, as well as the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association, to promote and grow these important community events.

"The program will include $1.4 million for Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils and nine interface councils to undertake feasibility studies into proposed farmers’ markets, establish new farmers’ markets and expand existing farmers’ markets," Mr Northe said.

"The Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association will also be allocated $600,000 to provide support for prospective stallholders, including stallholder training, stallholder accreditation, market accreditation, consumer research and consumer information via online and printed materials."

Mr Northe said farmers’ markets were an important source of retail sales and income for small agricultural producers.

"Farmers’ markets attract visitors to regional and rural towns such as the Latrobe Valley, and provide an important boost to the local economy through tourism and local spending. They also provide an important connection between consumers and local producers.

"So when out during the early hours of the weekend, make sure you try to stop past your local farmers market and pick up a few locally grown and made goodies."

For more information on where to buy locally produced food, visit http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Environment/SustainableLatrobe/Food/BuyLocalandSeasonalFood/ or http://www.farmersmarkets.org.au/markets

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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