No supply shortage at Byron Farmers Market!

While supermarket shelves around the country are running bare, there’s no shortage of fresh produce at our local farmers’ markets every week.

Both Coles and Woolworths have been hit by unprecedented shortages in recent weeks owing to the impact of Omicron and they have both reintroduced purchase limits on a number of items, including meat.

Byron Farmers Market manager Tom Carey said these events, more than ever, highlight the critical role farmers’ markets play in local food security. 

‘One of the benefits of buying from the farmers’ market is that the supply chain is not affected by distribution in the way that it is affecting the supermarkets at the moment,’ said Mr Carey.

‘Our farmers plant and grow produce to cater to the markets. They know how much they need to grow or produce to feed our community, so every week you are guaranteed that regular supply. 

‘The produce at our markets is brought straight from the farm to the market by the people who grew it, so not only are you assured supply but also the freshest produce available. And you can shop outside in the fresh air.’

Mr Carey said there were also no limits on how much people can buy. He also stressed that there had been no panic buying.

‘Our customers know we’ll be here week in and week out, so there’s no need to buy more than they usually would. Fresh supplies are available every Thursday and Saturday’.

And if you need a hand carrying all that fresh produce back to your car, don’t forget to use the Byron Farmers Market parcel pick-up service. Just drop off your market shopping at the manager’s tent at the southern end of the market near Somerset St where you will be issued with a pick-up number. Then you simply drive into the allocated ‘Parcel Pick-Up’ area in the parking spots near the manager’s tent and pull up and load your produce. 

Byron Farmers Market is held every Thursday 7–11am at Butler St Reserve and every Saturday 7–11am behind the Bangalow Pub.