National Farmers’ Markets Conference August 09

We’re pleased to pass on info about the 3rd National Farmers’ Markets Conference to be held 22 – 24 August 2009 at Glen Erin, Romsey, in Victoria.

One Decade On…

Today there are over 120 across Australia and on the 2009 two-day Conference hosted by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association will present a mix of local and international speakers addressing a large range of topics including:

• food security
• managing change and diversification
• market sustainability
• accreditation
• food trends
• merchandising
• marketing

International Speakers

One of the keynote speakers will be Richard McCarthy, co-founder of Crescent City Farmers’ Market in New Orleans and Market Umbrella.

This farmers’ market operates twice a week with a combined annual economic impact of US $6.9 million and features many social and economic innovations including a local currency and philanthropic fund and senior and youth outreach to low-income shoppers.

Richard will share stories from New Orleans and around the world where the reinvention of farmers’ markets has sparked creativity and community.

Other international speakers will include Gareth Jones from FARMA, the UK’s farmers’ market body, and Sue Kedgley who has been a New Zealand Green Party MP for the past decade and is an active campaigner on a multitude of food issues including organics, local food production, and food security.

Some Of The Home Grown Presenters

Successful farmers’ market stallholders Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda from Holy Goat Cheese and Zannie Flanagan, CEO of the Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market will speak and a panel of farmers from NSW, Western Australia and Victoria will also discuss how farmers’ markets have developed and defined their businesses.

The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association Chair, Jane Adams, will facilitate a Q&A session seeking positive outcomes to common challenges at farmers’ markets and The Weekend Australian Magazine’s Food Editor, John Lethlean, will join a panel of media experts to discuss how farmers’ markets can better reach a broader customer base.

Practical Workshop Sessions

In the afternoons workshops will cover a range of topics such as:

• managing the media
• how to supply restaurants
• better market management
• merchandising
• the introduction of the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association’s accreditation program

For a full detailed program and registration form please visit www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

For more information: Simone Gordon Ph: 0421 458 891 or conference@vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

The 3rd National Farmers’ Markets Conference is supported by the Victorian Government through Regional Development Victoria.