Model & Local Action - Farmer’s Market Newsletter, November
Posted in Events, Models by Miranda on November 5th, 2007
Below is an extract of the Farmers’ Market Newsletter for November by Miranda Sharp, Melbourne Community Farmers’ Markets Freelance Food Writing, www.mfm.com.au.
In contrast to last month’s newsletter when we took a critical swipe at the negativity of the media reporting of forecasted food price increases and it’s one sidedness in not exploring solutions, this month we want to celebrate what we have, and can do, to make the most of it! It’s Spring and there’s much to be thankful for…
At the city markets, farmers’ come from across Victoria; the furthest around 600kms which seems a lot on ‘food miles’ except when you consider that its worth their while rather than let their citrus rot while Australia allows imported fruit and juice! It’s almost cherry season and this year we’ll see fruit from many regions including Wangaratta, Harcourt, Nilma, Woori Yallock and Stanley. So the summer varieties of delectable stone fruit will follow. And Melbourne’s surrounds are not all suburbs and housing estates yet. Strawberries are back from West Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula, with Silvanberries, boysenberries and youngberries from Inverleigh by the end of the month. Asparagus in full swing from Warragul and Dalmore, green veg and lettuce varieties from Keilor, Devon Meadows and Werribee plus snow peas, broad beans and peas from Cardinia and Wantirna. That’s local!
In other festively, seasonal matters gathering momentum, the markets will be full of good cheer and edible giftgiving solutions in the next few weeks. If we’re going to get swept up in the annual buying spree, how about a pledge to buy direct from a producer or maker this Christmas. Apart from the traditional suggestions of cakes, pies, pud, free range turkey and rare breed pork opportunities that abound, think beautiful handmade nougat, preserves, olive oil, biscuits, chilli pastes, spice blends, seedlings, flowers and wine. And again this year OXFAM will again be promoting ‘unwrapped gifts’ that puts our local good fortune into global perspective. This initiative means whilst giving to a person who has everything here, directly benefiting someone who has nothing somewhere else. Come and hear more about it…
Congratulations are in order to at least two of our olive oil producers at last week’s National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Show. Gold to Gaswork’s FM stallholder Krowera Hills Olive Grove robust, spicy oil in the Class 1, Single Estate Grown category and also to Veg Out’s stallholder Kyneton Olive Oil’s Premium ‘Family Selection’ in its class.
Veg Out Farmers’ Market
3 November & 1st Sat every month 8.30am-1pm
Chaucer Street, St Kilda Melways 2P B9.
Free Entry
Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmers’ Market
10 November & 2nd Sat every month 8am–1pm
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways ref 44 G5
Entry $2 adults& stay all day. St Heliers St carpark (if you use it) is $2 donation
Gasworks Farmers’ Market
17 November & 3rd Sat every month 8.30am–1pm.
Graham Street, Albert Park. (cnr Pickles St) Melway ref 2J H7
Free Entry
Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market
23 November & 4th Sat every month 8am–1pm.
Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers St, Abbotsford. Melway ref 44G5.
$2 adults entry & St Heliers St carpark to restoration & maintenance.
Please don’t forget all the markets are plastic bag free so get into the swing and BYO!
For more information or if you’d like to receive the monthly newsletter contact Miranda Sharp on 0429 146627 or mfm @vtown.com.au or www.mfm.com.au
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