Australia: Farmer markets growing
The DAFF 2012, Australian food statistics 2010-11 report, showed farmers' markets were held more frequently than they were in 2004.
An Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences survey showed that last year, 44 per cent of farmers' markets were held monthly, 13 per cent were held fortnightly, and 43 per cent were held weekly.
Not-for-profit organisations managed almost 67 per cent of markets, and casual volunteers made up the majority of people involved.
Growing consumer interest in farming and food production, in particular ethical and organic methods, was said to be the major contributor to an increase in demand for markets.
One market manager said: "They are a viable and necessary alternative for the provision of fruit and vegetables that really are fresh."
source: weeklytimesnow.co.au
