National Farmers’ Market Conference

The role of farmers’ markets in business incubation, small family farm business successes and the significance of authenticity in successful market operation will be discussed at the 2nd national conference – Market Power: The Real Food Revolution Grows, 27-29 August 2005 Lake Hume Resort, Albury Wodonga, Victoria.

Farmers’ markets have become an integral part of local economic development, especially in regional areas. They address critical issues like sustainable agriculture, regional development, business incubation, revitalisation of both rural and urban communities, bio-diversity and food security. There are now over 80 regular food markets in all states bringing economic, health and community benefits as part of the thriving Australian farmers’ market movement.

Conference speakers will include:

i)Mark Winne – American local food systems expert;
ii) Pam Roy – Director of Farm to Table Inc, & former manager of successful farmers’ markets in Santa Fe, USA;
iii) Ian Thomas – New Zealand’s largest free range egg producer, who attributes growth largely to participation in the weekly Hawkes Bay farmers’ Market.
iv)Max Coster – agribusiness researcher who has recently completed research on Australia’s Farmers’ Markets and their impact on local communities.

Jane Adams, Chair of the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association and a food and wine marketing consultant, has worked with a volunteer committee to deliver this event which targets those working in:

-agriculture
-horticulture
-aquaculture
-regional food & wine
-food marketing
-local government
-community economic development
-tourism development
-town planning
-community health, nutrition & food security
-social research

VISIT: www.farmersmarkets.org.au
CONTACT: Jane Adams Ph 02 9360 9380 Email jacom@bigpond.net.au