The question was recently raised on a Facebook community page asking if people shop at the farmers’ market to save money. It brought a flurry of responses, mostly positive and citing many other benefits of shopping locally, so we asked the manager of Byron Farmers Market, Tom Carey, for his thoughts …
‘There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this question as there are so many variables, but there is no doubt that some produce at the farmers’ market is cheaper than the alternatives at the supermarkets – not all, but some,’ Tom says. ‘Where price differences and the advantage of farmers’ markets really come to the fore is in times of food crises.’
‘For example, when there was a shortage of bananas a few years ago due to cyclone and storm damage, prices for bananas in supermarkets skyrocketed to around $14 per kilo. At the farmers’ market, there was no price gouging and prices remained stable (and still are) at around $3 per kilo for bananas.’
Tom emphasised that there are so many other factors to consider than just price.
‘During the floods and Covid, when food was being trucked into the region and couldn’t get through, the supermarket shelves were bare. However, our farmers continued to grow and harvest locally, which meant that fresh supplies of food were available every week and we were able to continue to feed our community.
‘When you shop at the farmers’ market you are
supporting your local farming families and keeping money in the local economy. You’re also getting produce that is freshly harvested – not food that has been sitting in cool rooms and on shelves for long periods of time. And when you’re buying produce that is super fresh, the nutrient content has not deteriorated, it lasts longer and has more flavour.’
Tom says the farmers’ market also offers a great range of heirloom, and exotic, fruit and veg that you won’t find in supermarkets, and that you get to know exactly where your food comes from.
‘If you want to know how it was grown, how to store it or how to use it, you can ask the person who grew it. While some things may not be available year-round, this teaches us to eat by the seasons and enjoy and appreciate the changes in what’s available throughout the year. Just as nature intended.’
On top of all of that, the farmers’ market also acts as a community hub for people to come together – and not just for customers.
‘Farming can be isolating work, so coming together each week is a great opportunity for our farmers, to not only connect with the people buying their food, but also to connect with fellow farmers and producers,’ Tom says.
‘We feel very appreciative of our community and are always thankful for their support, whether they spend a little or a lot.’
Byron Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 7am to 11am at Butler St Reserve and Bangalow Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 7am to 11am in Piccabeen Park.
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