From struggle to bounty : farmers ’ markets turn 20
by Maryann Callaghan
Educating people in the superiority of regionally grown and value of fresh produce has been a twodecade success story for the Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers ’ and Fine Food Market Castle Hill .
It has become so wellknown it ’ s now a main source of produce and gourmet food in the greater Hills district .
Having just celebrated its 20th anniversary makes these markets the longest running farmers ’ market in the Sydney Basin , according to manager Polly Feneck , of Black Castle Events , who helped kickstart them .
Ms Feneck said the milestone birthday party market event last month proved we continue to have a healthy farmers ’ market sector here .
“ It was a chance for us to show our
Hills Deputy Mayor Mark Hodges and Polly Feneck ( far left ) join some of the original stallholders celebrating the market ’ s 20th anniversary at Castle Hill Showground .
appreciation for the legacy of that vision to preserve and protect what could have been lost all those years ago and how we can retain what still exists .”
She said in the early 2000s , Hawkesbury Harvest ’ s efforts to find ways of supporting small-holding farms that were struggling to survive in increasingly difficult economic times , included establishing Farm Gate Trails and the markets , both generating consumer-direct sales to farmers .
“ The first market established was Harvest ’ s Castle Hill Showground Farmers ’ and Fine Food market held every second and fourth Saturday morning except January since August of 2002 ,” Ms Feneck said .
“ I went on to starting up Blackheath
Growers ’ Market in August 2003 , next year it ’ s the big 20 .”
Describing the markets as an event in itself , Ms Feneck said many customers make visiting a family affair , coming to enjoy breakfast out , bringing their pooches and enjoying live music as they shop .
The market is also a tourist drawcard , showcasing what the district has to offer to visitors .
On average 50-60 stalls set up to sell their wares twice monthly .
“ The stallholders are the main core . They are all special hard-working people ,” Ms Feneck said .
“ Trunkey Bacon & Pork , Grima ’ s Farm Fresh Produce and Australian Estate Coffee have been with us since the day we stated and are still the original stallholders .”
Northwest Flowers , La Tartine and Fotios Tzavellas have also been in attendance since the beginning and still going strong .
The market ’ s goal has always been to continue to grow .
“ We hope to sustain the importance of supporting our small time Australian growers and producers , to continue to grow and encourage and teach the young the value in fresh food ,” Ms Feneck said .
“ Castle Hill Farmers Market is the best one stop shop for fresh produce in the Hills / Hawkesbury district . It ’ s quality like no other .”
If you ’ re interested in seasonal Hawkesbury Harvest Tours around the Farm Gate Trail , visit harvesttrailsandmarkets . com . au
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