The first Margaret River Farmers' Market was held in 2002 to support the Margaret River region's farmers and artisan food producers.
The market has bloomed in the years since then and now there is an average of 45 stalls per week, with up to 60 stalls per week. Katrina Lombardo started managing the market in 2010 and says the stalls change throughout the year as the season's change.
"All the food available at the market is grown or produced by the farmers and producers themselves, this means it's as fresh as it can be, local and seasonal," Katrina said.
"These producers are farmers from the Margaret River region and just beyond. These farmers grow and raise various primary produce, pork, lamb, beef, sheep cheese, cow cheese, goat cheese, eggs, fish, small goods, fruits and vegetables galore, always only what is in season, as well as breads, pastries, cakes, chocolates, honey, olive oil, preserves, pickles, sauces, beverages, wine, salts and herbs."
In 2018, Margaret River Farmers' Market won the Delicious Produce Award for most outstanding farmers market in Australia. Katrina says that farmers markets benefit the community in a myriad of ways.
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"Farmers markets cut out the middle man so all the food is more affordable for the consumers/customers and the producers and farmers can get a better price for their produce (and hard work) than the supermarket wholesale prices... it's a win-win situation for everyone," she said.
"It's fantastic to see the community come together every Saturday morning, young and old and everything in between. The farmers market brings everyone together. I love the connections that are made between the farmers and producers and the community. The farmers and producers attend their stalls and make connections with the community and help educate the community on the food they are buying, how it was raised or grown."
"It connects the community with their food source, we lower packaging needs and educate the community on why it is so good to eat seasonally. Those connections are priceless."
The farmers market also hosts a community breakfast bar which is free to hold for the community group manning it with all profits from the stall going to that community group's cause.
"We also hold free masterclasses and cooking demonstrations. It's all about local seasonal food," Katrina said.
"It's great for the environment, great for the economy and awesome for the community to meet and enjoy their Saturday morning while gathering their weekly food shop. As David Hohnen once said, 'You can't get better than a farmers market'."
