Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 4.3.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia is a
major tourist attraction for the city.
skills of those involved will become more professional. This does not mean
that they will become more like supermarkets. The reverse is true. They will
clearly define their own niche and character.
The key issue is keeping the market true to its values. A farmers' market
should sell local produce and the sales team should be from the local farm.
Alas, many farmers' markets are starting to lose sight of those values. We
have been to farmers' markets in Canada that sell plastic flowers from China
and markets selling fresh produce that cannot be grown in that country
during that time of year.
Many farmers' market organizations around the world are developing
strategic plans to enable them to define their governance and structure.
Guidance is needed on what an authentic farmers' market is, and what it is
not and which stallholders, farmers and their agents are eligible in a market.
One result of this is that many countries have now developed an accredit-
ation scheme for farmers' markets. The aim of accreditation is to guarantee
market integrity, trading success and long term sustainability. The main aim
is to provide a 'best practice' market that the consumer can continue to trust.
The successful farmers' market keeps to its values. The market is not just
about selling local produce.
As far as the farmer is concerned, a farmers' market should be an in-
cubator where they can test new ideas. On a visit to Manjimup Farmers
Market in Western Australia we discovered local farmers doing taste
testing with consumers on new varieties of apples, a great way to engage
the consumer.
