Welcome, Autumn

We're truly in the midst of the pickling and preserving season with an abundance of plums, tomatoes, chillies and zucchinis hitting the markets. Preserving in times of plenty ensures that the only thing that ends up in a pickle is your produce!
This month we welcome back our mid-week Farmers Market at the University of Melbourne, and we are proud to once again be involved with the Melbourne Tomato Festival to bring Victorian farmers to a fabulous day of tomato and cultural celebrations.
We look forward to seeing you throughout March at Carlton, Coburg, Collingwood, Fairfield, Gasworks, Slow Food Melbourne and Uni Melb Farmers Markets.

Miranda and the MFM team

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MARKET UPDATES

WE'RE HEADING BACK TO UNI

Melbourne Farmers Markets mid-week Farmers’ Market at The University of Melbourne is back from Wednesday 8 March. The market is held Wednesday’s weekly throughout the Uni Semester on Union Lawn, in the heart of the Parkville campus. It is a space for students, staff and the community to meet regional Victorian producers and enjoy the atmosphere of a summer picnic with the integrity of an accredited farmers’ market! Lunchtime options include sambuusa, kransky’s, falafel pita’s, baked potatoes, cheese toasties, mussels, ice cream and so much more!
Keep well fed with the latest market news on the Uni Melb FM Facebook page.

FAIRFIELD FM IS ON THE MOVE

Fairfield Farmers Market needs to find a new home! While we are delighted Fairfield Primary School has been awarded a new competition netball court, we are very sorry that the market needs to leave the lovely grounds by the middle 2017.

We would love to hear from you, our community of shoppers and stallholders, where in the surrounding area we could move the market to. If you have any suggestions, or would like to submit feedback on the market, please fill in the survey here.

TURNIP TALKS MELONS

Hilary McNevin talks melons this month with Mark Rathbone of Save Our Soil Biodynamic Produce. Melons galore are in season at the moment!

Discover what Mark loves about farming melons, the best types, where you can find Mark this month and what you should look for when finding the perfect melon. Read on here!

INDUSTRY NEWS

MIRANDA SHARP ENTERS THE BUSINESS WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME

Melbourne Farmers Markets Founder and Director and all round local food lover, Miranda Sharp has been recognised in the 2017 Businesswomen's Hall of Fame!
Miranda has been working in the Melbourne food industry for 25 years. Her extensive career as a chef, in catering and food journalism formed the background to the establishment of Melbourne’s first farmers markets in the Collingwood Children’s Farm in 2002. Read more about Miranda's inspiring story.

MELBOURNE TOMATO FESTIVAL

Melbourne Farmers' Markets is thrilled to be involved with The Melbourne Tomato Festival for it's third year, in the vibrant All Nations Park, Northcote. A pop-up market will showcase Victorian producers, alongside speakers, workshops, entertainment and passata making. It's a day to celebrate cultural traditions, share experiences and join in conversations around food. Keep an eye out for ticket giveaways at markets in March!

Book Now: Melbourne Tomato Festival

FOOD EVENTS

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING LAWS

The Department of Industry Innovation and Science, will be conducting information forums to educate businesses on the Country of Origin Labelling reforms for food.
The forums will primarily target small and medium businesses that work in food production, wholesaling, retailing, importing and related industries such as printing and packaging. They are designed to help businesses understand the new labels, including the requirements that need to be met to make ‘grown in’/’product of’/’made in’ claims and how to determine the proportion of Australian ingredients.

Event details
3 - 5pm Tuesday 28 March
Register Online

THE CRUSHED OLIVE

Interested in harvesting olives and making olive oil? The Rose Creek Estate olive groves produce 1500 litres of award-winning extra virgin olive oil annually. As part of the 2017 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, join Tony and Lina to tour their expansive property, learn how their olives are harvested and be part of a first pressing before enjoying a traditional home-grown Italian lunch.

Event details:
11am - 2pm Sunday 2 April
Rose Creek Estate, East Keilor
Tickets available online

Have a local food or community event that you would like to promote?
Email marketing@mfm.com.au