Community (Farmers) Markets Are The Lifeline To Future Economic/Tourism Sustainability: Promote Them To Your Guests
I love a bustling, vibrant community market. I can't think of a better way to spend part of my weekend gathering with friends and family and the larger community (my own or someone elses) at a community market.
According to the report (June 2014) released by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (Australian Government), Understanding the Characteristics of Australian Farmers' Markets;
Farmers’ markets provide an avenue for consumers to access a range of seasonal, fresh, raw and value added food. Consumers who shop at farmers’ markets are attracted to the perceived or real quality and freshness of the products. There is no doubt that there are several consumer trends that present opportunities for farmers’ markets, particularly those farmers’ markets that can offer local, fresh and seasonal produce as well as a relationship, that more and more is a factor largely affecting consumers’ purchasing decisions.
Some of the benefits highlighted in the Report. They;
“provide an alternative avenue for consumers and communities to access fresh, local, seasonal and nutritious food
provide a viable avenue for farmers to sell their produce
can help to encourage enhanced community wellbeing and improved health
revitalise community economy and assist regional development
promote regional and local agriculture
can play a role in revitalising towns, regions and public spaces
create a positive informal learning environment for people to learn and connect with food, how it is grown and its health qualities
enables community leadership
can help raise money for community organisations”
As a leisure manager/community developer by trade (People Projects - Community Development Consulting) I have a real passion for the development of sustainable community farmers markets that are valued by locals and visitors to unique and amazing communities around Australia.
On our Facebook page we are asking our audience if they know whether a local community farmers market exists, how much it is valued and if owner/managers of short term holiday rental accommodation in Australia promote these community based tourism events to their guests?
As I always mention in my articles, we love seeking out these community events when we visit places in Australia or overseas. These community markets are a way of getting to know the local Australian community culture and people. They demonstrate a high level of community connectedness particularly if they incorporate arts and culture and create an amazing vibe for visitors or locals.
I hope to lift the profile of community (farmers) markets in every unique and amazing Australian community and demonstrate how valued markets can lift a local community and be the catalyst for increased numbers to the locality and boost local economies.
If you are a short term accommodation/ holiday home/ corporate short stay property owner or manager in Australia please consider providing us information on your local community markets. We'd be happy to list them (no charge) on our consumer directory so that guests in your properties can search for unique and amazing community based tourism experiences.
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