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Farmers' markets swap stalls for virtual market, online delivery

Scott Bolles
Scott Bolles

Customers can order direct from stallholders via Carriageworks' online directory.
Customers can order direct from stallholders via Carriageworks' online directory.Supplied

Sydneysiders have been struck a blow in their access to fresh food, with three of the city's biggest produce markets joining the COVID-19 shut-out. Carriageworks Farmers Market, Northside Produce Market and the food market at EQ in Moore Park have all announced their temporary closure.

"It's terrible for people's access to fresh food and the livelihood of farmers and producers," says Jane Adams, the national spokeswoman for the Australian Farmers' Markets Association, which successfully lobbied to have its members classified as an essential service.

Other markets across Sydney appeared to be adapting, introducing measures such as no cash and limiting numbers and shopping time. Last weekend the plan seemed to be working.

"The reasoning behind the decision to close the Carriageworks Farmers Market for the time being was led by increasing social isolation measures and to ensure it keeps the health and safety of producers, staff and visitors as their top priority," a spokeswoman for the Eveleigh market said.

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It's a sentiment echoed by the other Sydney markets headed into a hiatus.

Regional shoppers are luckier, with Adams explaining it is business as usual at many markets across NSW, including a large cluster in the north-east of the state and centres such as Kiama.

With the livelihood of farmers and producers in question as a result of the closures, there's some good news for them as well as Sydney consumers.

Northside Produce Market has launched a "virtual market". Carriageworks has a directory on its website with details for ordering direct from stallholders, and Cambridge Markets EQ is delivering straight to the door every Wednesday and Saturday.

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Scott BollesScott Bolles writes the weekly Short Black column in Good Food.

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