A New Monthly Farmers Market Has Launched at Abbotsford Convent

The Abbotsford Convent will soon be home to a new monthly farmers market. Regional Farmers Markets (RFM), one of Australia’s most established market operators, will be bringing 40 stalls selling organic fruit and veg, locally sourced dairy, homemade desserts and more on the second Saturday of each month.

The Convent previously hosted a beloved farmers market every weekend, but that shut down in December last year after 20 years of successful operation.

The Convent was eager to launch a new market after the announcement – and then RFM reached out.

“It was really great, they approached us,” says Abbotsford Convent CEO Collette Brennan. “And they came with a really compelling story and history and vision.”

Melissa Burge, RFM’s manager, says her organisation is equally excited to launch a new farmers market for the community, especially in such a storied location.

“It was such a flagship and iconic market for so long,” says Burge. “And we’ve all had history with it. I traded there years ago as a trader. Some of the stallholders that are with us now had too.”

Co-founded in 1999 by Burge, Claire Crocker and their families, RFM is now one of Australia’s oldest farmers market organisers. Starting with a single market in South Gippsland, it now runs eight more every month across Victoria, with more than 300 stalls collectively.

The business has two broad objectives. Firstly, to promote and advance food security in Australia. Secondly, to encourage women to have key roles in Australia’s food industry. Brennan says these were some of the major drawcards for the Convent when setting up the new market.

“We really liked their values and what they represent,” says Brennan. “We think it’s a great fit for our community. They have a brilliant philosophy and a long-term view to the way we produce and experience food together. So, [doing] what could seem simple, to go and get your fruit and veg, you’re actually supporting a much deeper and more fulfilling way to live.”

One of the stalls visitors can look forward to is Spring Creek Organics, a vegetable farm south of Ballarat focused on sustainability, and a returning stallholder from the Convent’s previous market.

Other highlights include Heathmont Honey, a family beekeeping business which produces raw organic honey. For those looking for locally sourced dairy, Blue Bay Cheese will have fresh kefir, goat feta and vintage cheddar from the Mornington Peninsula. Dessert lovers should make a beeline Pudding Nana, with flavours including self-saucing chocolate, apple pie and bread and butter.

In addition to providing great food and produce, Burge says RFM is excited to revive the communal atmosphere at the Convent.

“I think for the community there will be a real sense of excitement and joy and happiness,” she says. “I always feel a market has a huge sense of vitality. The vitality, and the lifeforce that a farmers market brings to the community, it’s just something you can’t bottle.”

The first edition of Regional Farmers Markets – Abbotsford Convent will be held from 8am–1pm on Saturday May 13, 2023. Entry is $2 (proceeds go to the Abbotsford Convent).

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