IVP-Australia is starting a new project, a Farmers Market. Goulburn is surrounded by farmlands and orchards and although the type of produce has changed over the years, there remain small and medium size growers with less and less opportunity to sell on a large scale with the current trend of supermarket super systems. The recent pandemic exposed the fragile nature of long-haul delivery systems with fresh produce becoming harder to procure and more expensive.

Goulburn Farmers Market will be a place for local growers to sell directly to the customers, resulting in fresh produce, low food miles, less packaging, no preservatives, little if any refrigeration. We will promote organically grown produce and run workshops on aspects of sustainability. We are learning as we go and involving the local community in all aspects of planning and decision making.

The launch and six-month trial begins on 28th October. We will have a small team of international volunteers to assist with the launch and already have applications. Check on workcamps.sci.ngo to see if there are any free places. The market will take place monthly on the fourth Saturday of the month. If you are in Australia at any of these times and want to help out at the market please get in touch with placements@ivp.org.au. Social media is happening here and an article from a local journalist can be found here.