About Us

The VFMA defines authentic farmers’ markets as places where: • Farmers sell direct to the public in a fair marketplace not compromised by resellers; • Farmers and producers create connections and relationships with customers and with each other; • Customers are able to purchase quality, freshly harvested produce, supporting local farmers and regional Victorian communities; • Customers buy fresh locally grown produce directly from the grower, and value added products direct from the producer, who receives full economic and social credit for their contribution to a sustainable local food system. Authenticity should be integral to the term “farmers’ market”. Accordingly, in 2011 the VFMA created and registered an Accreditation Program with the ACCC to certify and differentiate authentic farmers’ markets for producers and consumers. The foundation of accreditation is the certification that the substantial majority of the produce being sold has been grown in Victoria. At accredited farmers’ markets, the public purchase accredited products that have been made or grown by accredited producers. The key principles of accredited farmers’ markets are that: • The producer has grown, reared, caught or processed the produce being offered for sale, and; • Each stall is staffed by at least one person who has intimate knowledge of, and direct involvement with, the production process of items for sale. The following are never permitted at accredited farmers’ markets: • Re-sellers of fruit, vegetables or any other farm based product; • Re-packagers of any food or drink; • Art and craft where no clear farm origin is defined; • Bric-a-brac stalls.