Mitchell Shire’s only accredited farmers market is back after a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tallarook Farmers Market returns on Sunday, and the community is invited to support producers who have not had the opportunity to trade for the past few months.
Everything isn’t entirely back to normal as social distancing measures will be in place.
Only food and beverage stalls will be allowed to operate at the first market to ensure adequate spacing before craft stalls return at a future market.
Market manager Cynthia Lim said this was the community’s opportunity to buy fresh food direct from the region’s farmers and producers.
“Recent events have shown us it’s even more important for consumers to be connected to the provenance of their food,” she said.
“It was a difficult decision to cancel the last two markets, but for the safety of our community and our very important, small family-run businesses, we thought it was the right decision.”
Ms Lim encouraged pre-orders for specific products as stock levels might not be as high as normal.
“If you are really keen for something specific, we strongly encourage you to pre-order direct with the producer to pick up at the market,” she said.
“The production capacity of many stallholders is not at normal rates and a pre-order will guarantee you get what you want and avoid disappointment.”
There will be a new set of guidelines to allow the market to go ahead safely:
- Please adhere to all signage, queue markings and instructions from market staff.
- Social distancing rules apply. People must maintain at least 1.5m from others.
- Hand hygiene rules apply. Please wash hands with warm soapy water before attending and use hand sanitiser regularly. Sanitiser stations will be available at the market.
- One shopper per household is encouraged. No dogs allowed.
- Avoid cash transactions. Stallholders will have contactless EFTPOS payment available.
- Do not handle products. Ask for assistance. No sampling of food or drinks.
- No craft stalls and no entertainment at this time.
- Once people have purchased goods, they should leave the site to help free up space for others.
- If the site becomes congested, people may be asked to wait outside the site until other customers leave.
- People must stay at home if feeling unwell.
All contact details of regular stallholders can be found at www.tallarookfarmersmarket.com.au/meet-our-makers.
