Market Power Comes of Age AFMA Media Release. December 2002

The inaugural Farmers Markets Conference convenes and realises the power of the market.

Australia's thriving Farmers' Market movement has taken another major step forward with the formation of a national representative organisation, the Australian Farmers' Markets Association (AFMA).

Over 65 delegates at the first national Farmers' Market Conference held in Bathurst recently, voted unanimously to establish the national body and to adopt the mission, aims and definition of the Association's inaugural charter.

'Farmers' Markets are increasingly a pivotal part of Australia's fresh food chain,' commented Conference Chairperson, Jane Adams. 'There are now over 40 community-based markets trading regularly in regional centres and capital cities across Australia.

'It has taken three years to reach this critical mass. Those active in this vibrant grassroots food movement wanted to establish a national hub and general charter to ensure the authentic viability of existing Farmers' Markets and to foster the development of new markets in interested host communities.'

The Australian Farmers' Markets Association comprises one representative per state and territory, and one from New Zealand under the interim national chairperson, Jane Adams.

The AFMA website is under development and will provide a virtual network for the Australian farmers' market movement.

The Farmers' Markets operate regularly in all states including Albany, Margaret River, Boyanup, Manjimup, Carnarvon and Wanneroo (WA); Barossa, Willunga, Limestone Coast (SA); South Gippsland, Cardinia Ranges, Yarra Valley, Collingwood (VIC); Mudgeeraba, Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD) and Albury, Wagga, Dubbo, Cowra, Orange, Mudgee, Wauchope, Tamworth and Byron Bay (NSW). Sydney currently hosts six major Farmers' Markets in Liverpool, Camden, Pyrmont, Castle Hill, North Sydney and Moore Park.

The inaugural 2002 Australian Farmers' Market Conference Proceedings will be available shortly. For details contact: jacom [at] bigpond [dot] net [dot] au