Victorian Farmers' Markets Association

The Victorian Farmers' Markets Association's purpose is to support and promote authentic Farmers' markets throughout Victoria. The VFMA Website features a directory of Farmers' Markets in Victoria and Melbourne to help you find the best in legitimate markets selling produce from independent growers. About the VFMA What is a farmers' market? The Victorian Farmers' Markets Association (VFMA) defines an authentic farmers' market as 'a predominantly local fresh food and produce market that operates regularly at a public location which provides a suitable environment for farmers and food producers to sell their farm origin product and their associated value added primary products directly to customers.' What are the fundamentals of an authentic Victorian farmers' market? - An opportunity for farmers' to transact directly with their customers and take credit for their efforts - A regional and/or state boundary which ensures the produce is locally grown - No re-sellers, distributors, agents or wholesalers permitted - No art, craft or bric-a-brac Why is authenticity so important? When the public shop at a farmers' market anywhere in Victoria, they should be able to trust that the person who they are transacting with is the person who grew or made the produce. A VFMA accreditation program will be introduced in 2009 for authentic farmers, producers and farmers' markets. This consistent level of compliance forms a solid basis of quality, integrity and fairness for accredited farmers' markets to be identified recognised by. How will accredited farmers' markets be recognised? Currently all farmers' markets in Victoria are self regulating and most are consistent with the VFMA guidelines for accreditation. Once established, the VFMA logo will be the identifying brand for an accredited VFMA member and its use will be strictly dependent on passing a thorough initial audit followed by annual review and random inspections.