Farmers’ market study shows benefits for consumers, producers and community Farmers’ market study shows benefits for consumers, producers and community 06 Jun 2014 A study into Australia’s farmers’ markets has revealed that they provide a number of benefits to farmers, consumers and the communities in which they are situated. Funded and released by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the study considered farmers’ markets for four stakeholder groups – consumers, farmers, value added food businesses and local communities. The author of the report, Vicki Woodburn said the study identified a range of strengths and weaknesses of Australia’s farmers’ markets in relation to these four stakeholder groups. “The farmers’ markets not only provide an economically viable distribution option but also a platform for farmers and value added food businesses to grow their business, test their products with consumers and improve other aspects of their business, such as management approaches.
AFMA STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2017 | Australian Farmers' Markets Association The AFMA Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017 provides a vital platform to review and inform the evolution of best practice farmers’ markets into the next three years throughout Australia. This Strategic Plan was informed via a consultative process with key stakeholders active in the Australian farmers’ market sector. It was also informed by key documents resultant from farmers’ market research conducted in Australia, such as the RIRDC research study 2014. This Plan identifies where farmers’ markets are now, where farmers’ markets are going and how farmers’ markets will achieve these objectives under AFMA governance. Vision AFMA contributes positively to Australian agriculture, healthier communities and more sustainable food choices by supporting vibrant Australian farm economies and direct farm food production and supply to consumers. Mission Well-recognised: is acknowledged as the peak national entity for best practice farmers’ markets across Australia. Brief History What is a Farmers’ Market?
Food Page Content The food industry is integral to Australia’s economic and social prosperity. It consistently accounts for around 20 per cent of domestic manufacturing sales and service income. Australia also has a reputation internationally as a modern, safe, reliable and sustainable producer of food. The overwhelming majority of food sold in Australia is grown and supplied by Australian farmers. A comprehensive analysis of the Australian food industry is provided in the department’s Australian Food Statistics series. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is responsible for policy and programs that support a globally competitive and sustainable Australian food industry. The department is working with other Australian Government agencies such as the Department of Health and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), as well as state and territory governments, to simplify and streamline food regulation and labelling.
Benefits of Community Gardening Community Organizing • Community gardens increase a sense of community ownership and stewardship. • Community gardens foster the development of a community identity and spirit. • Community gardens bring people together from a wide variety of backgrounds (age, race, culture, social class). • Community gardens build community leaders. • Community gardens offer a focal point for community organizing, and can lead to community-based efforts to deal with other social concerns. Crime Prevention • Community gardens provide opportunities to meet neighbors. • Community gardens build block clubs (neighborhood associations). • Community gardens increase eyes on the street. • Community gardening is recognized by the many police departments as an effective community crime prevention strategy. Cultural Opportunities • Community gardens offer unique opportunities for new immigrants (who tend to be concentrated in low-income urban communities) to: - Produce traditional crops otherwise unavailable locally, Youth And,