March 16, 2012
The Victorian Government is supporting the Traralgon Farmers’ Market with a $3,000 grant.
Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe made the announcement today accompanied by Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, Traralgon Farmers’ Market Manager Allan Vickery and President of Traralgon Lions Club Ted Lambourn.
Mr Northe said the grant would fund the development of a web page and advertising material for the Traralgon Farmers’ Market.
“The project will help attract new stall holders and enable the general public to understand the range of fresh products that can be purchased at the market,” Mr Northe said.
“It will market the Traralgon Farmers’ Market to an expanded client base and provide greater ongoing opportunities for farmers to draw an alternative income.”
Mr Northe said developing a website and advertising material would help promote local produce and products and to also maintain livability and sustain broader economic growth in the region.
“Attracting more visitors to the Traralgon Farmers’ Market will allow for further publicity and promotion and may increase the movement of tourists in and around Traralgon as well as the wider Gippsland region,” Mr Northe said.
Mr Chester said farmers’ markets are a great way for local producers to sell their products directly to the community.
“Farmers’ markets provide a healthy, affordable and fresh food supply for the local community,” Mr Chester said.
“Consumers also benefit from easy access to information about the availability, seasonality and origins of their food.
“Farmers’ markets also help local producers to work together and identify new business opportunities.”
Mr Northe said the Victorian Government funding for the $4500 initiative would be provided to Traralgon Lions Club through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Farmers’ Markets Program.