Local producers on show (from left) Renzo Pulsoni, Tim Harley, Troy Pycroft, Michelle Johns, Sonia Anthony and Lyn Reid.
Photo by
Sophie Baldwin
Local producers were in the spotlight at a recent showcase at the Echuca Farmers Market.
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Market president Tim Harley said it was a privilege to hold events where local producers are front and centre, and consumers can learn about what is grown in their backyards.
The showcase included a Q&A and an opportunity to sample some of the great produce.
“We had some really great questions asked and the audience were really engaged.
“If they can go away with a positive experience and be informed about the variety of local produce on our doorstep, then we have achieved what we set out to do.
“The next generation need to learn where their food comes from,” Mr Harley said.
Featured producers were Talara Australian Native Botanicals, Goulburn Valley Pork and Beef, and Renzo’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.
And as a special treat Lyn Reid from Deniliquin treated attendees to a sample of her Christmas pudding and to participate in a brandy cream recipe demonstration.
It was standing room only for session two of the showcase.
Photo by
Sophie Baldwin
Chef Sonia Anthony from Masons of Bendigo who was on-site to cook up a storm said she was a huge supporter of farmers markets and local producers.
“Home-grown, seasonal produce has low food miles, is usually grown with regenerative farming practices, has amazing taste and flavour and is cost-effective because it is seasonal,” Ms Anthony said.
Guests were treated to a sample of locally grown produce.
Photo by
Sophie Baldwin
Ms Anthony prepared a simple summer salad with produce from Renzo’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetables and Crossies ‘Cados (avocados) along with roast beef and some ham.
GV Pork’s Troy Pycroft said he had been attending the farmers market for over 12 months.
“We bought the business 18 months ago and we have been well-supported here as our local market,” Mr Pycroft said.
Michelle Johns from Talara enjoyed the opportunity to get her brand out into the public.
Talara is a micro-business passionate about protecting, recognising and promoting native fruit, vegetables, salts and herbs.
Sample bags for the community.
Photo by
Sophie Baldwin
Renzo Pulsoni is a popular face at the market with his stall full of fresh seasonal produce while Ms Reid makes an annual appearance with her Christmas pudding stall.
“I only come once a year but I am always made to feel very welcome and I love coming here,” Ms Reid said.
The showcase was made possible by a Vic Grown regional produce activation grant.
The market has already held three events and there are three more to go.
The January 4 showcase is a kids’ cooking class featuring fruit salad and pancakes.
“The idea is to encourage kids to come down and have a positive experience with food grown 100 per cent from our region,” Mr Harley said.
January 18 is an ‘eggstravaganza’ featuring eggs and smashed avocado, while the last event will feature everything beverages on February 1.
Mr Harley said the grant had been used to support producers in the region and to date had been a raging success.
The Echuca Farmers Market is held on the first and third Saturday of every month and features a wide variety of local producers and live music from 8am-12.30pm at Echuca Aquatic Reserve.
For more information visit Echuca Farmers Market on Facebook.
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