SOCIAL PAGES
Being Social: At the Willunga Farmers Market For almost twenty years the market has been a weekly mainstay for shoppers and traders alike. We asked some of these fine folk what the market means to them personally and more broadly to the region. Photography by Loki Hall.
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01. Sandra DePoi, Market member. ‘It is really important. The market is full of producers that I have come to know and love. It is a constant in my life and is full of nutritionally dense food.’ 02. Todd Steele, Chef. ‘I’ve been coming to the market since day dot. It is a massive asset and the farmers look after me so I am grateful. It’s great to see all of this local produce in the same place and at the same time. I walk in and if something grabs my attention, I buy it. It’s all about supporting locals.’ 03. Mark Pethick, Food Chakra trader (currently on hiatus after welcoming a new addition to the family). ‘It’s a time to connect with our community in a really wholesome, grounding way and it’s kid friendly.’ So wins all around? ‘Yes.’
06. Aaron and Meg Dickson, 81 Acres. When Meg and Aaron began their free-range pork business they 100% had the farmers market as a goal for their product. ‘It means everything to us and it is who we are as producers,’ says Aaron. ‘That relationship with customers is a crucial part of getting buyers to understand our product,’ says Meg. They also love the friendships they have formed through the market. 07. Nikki O’Brien and Kalesha Rogers, Pure Mushrooms. Kalesha’s family has run their mushroom business from Woodcroft for years. They grow forty tonnes of mushrooms a week! So the market is a small slice of the pie. ‘We love the market for its loyal customer base and for sharing a passion for growing with other farmers.’ Kalesha also likes doing swaps with other producers.
04. Luke Growden and Caleigh Hunt, Market members. ‘It is a huge drawcard for the region and supports local growers. It is where we do our weekly shop and come to get a lovely dose of community. We love the toasties from Little Acre Foods and we always get fresh citrus from Bill & Zola.’
08. Daign Kotze and Claire Oakey, Alnda Farms. Alnda Farms is an old-fashioned market garden, growing small quantities of heritage vegetables in an organic, sustainable way. It is always fresh as. ‘We like the customer relationships,’ says Claire. ‘It is really a paddock to plate circular economy.’
05. Tim de Rose, McCarthy’s Orchard. McCarthy’s have been trading at the market since the beginning. Lisa and Mark McCarthy actually met at the market (so more than fruit and vegetable has been grown from this community). ‘The market is a great opportunity to sell and speak directly to the people who buy your products and you get to know what they like and what they want.’ Plus …’Isn’t it good to know your farmer?’
09. Clarissa Mayer, Market member. Clarissa moved from Germany to the Fleurieu a few years ago. Markets and fresh produce is what she grew up with so it was a natural choice for her. ‘It’s what I grew up with and I like the sense of community. It is great for tourists as well as local producers. I love Matchett’s bagels.’
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