Casey mayor Kevin Bradford viewed some of the produce on display at the new Farmers Market in Narre Warren last week.
THERE was plenty of local fresh produce on display at the inaugural Casey Farmers’ Market last Thursday.
Held at Max Pawsey Reserve Pavilion in Narre Warren, the market will now be held from 9am to 1pm on the first and third Thursday of each month.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the market would be the first mid-week farmers’ market in Melbourne.
It will operate twice a month on Thursdays to give shoppers the opportunity to stock up with farm fresh produce before the weekend.
Cr Bradford said the idea of holding a regular market was raised in the Casey and Cardinia Regional Agricultural Audit completed in 2004, and he commended Rotary for taking on the market as a community project.
The Berwick Rotary Club will have total responsibility for running the market. Rotarian Geoff Rankin has been appointed as its manager.
Mr Rankin said farmers’ markets helped to educate young people, in particular, about the health benefits of eating fresh nutritional food.
All funds raised by Rotary from managing the market will be donated back to the community.
Mr Rankin said the Casey market would have strict criteria for stallholders. Stallholders are selected on the basis of farm-fresh nutritional foods and the variety of products they bring to the market.
The initial market will have approximately 25 stallholders and will gradually build up to a maximum of 50 as the range of products is extended.
Products for sale will include locally grown fresh fruit, vegetables, farmed barramundi, lamb, beef, free range poultry and eggs, jams, cheeses, olive oil and herbs.
