There's no keeping a lid on it - we're delighted and proud that Collingwood Children's Farm Farmers' Market has been awarded Australia's Most Outstanding Farmers' Market in delicious magazine's 2010 Produce Awards. 7 stallholders were also celebrated; Garlic and More, Warialda BG Beef, Angelica Farm, Daylesford Organics, Moondara Blueberries, Mt Alexander Fruit Gardens and (drumroll) Holy Goat La Luna Cheese, national winner in the 'from the dairy' category. We accept the award on behalf of the many 1000's of people who have endlessly supported us over almost 8 years since the inaugural Melbourne Community Farmers' Market. Sees like a lifetime and boy, what a trip! Thank you all.
Back on earth and winter rolls on. What a great season it's been for produce; who could complain there's not enough variety. Citrus has been amazing all season, the humble spud has stepped up in increasing variety and recognition of quality, kiwis have stocked us up on Vitamin C and got us through the winter lurgies, brussell sprouts would get my vote for the underrated veg of the year and, how about this years fennel? Fabulous!
So what's going on with Victoria's absent produce over winter?
Here's a snapshot ... asparagus beds will have been mown and furious weeding will be taking place on the Westernport flats, garlic shoots will be up and the bulbs will be forming underground in the heavy sodden soils of Central Victoria, broad beans are looking just like seedlings waiting for some warmth to grow and flower in time for harvest in November, orchardists will have just finished the enormous job of pruning every tree before the bud, flower, pollination and fruit setting stages of Spring. It's way too early for veg growers to be planting tomatoes and summer stocks so they'll be weeding and preparing the beds for November. Chooks are back 'on the lay' but production is still well down on spring and summer. Last, and by no means least, spare a thought for dairy cows calving in paddocks around Victoria.
The reality is for those of us not directly involved in food production, much hard work is going on out there in what seems to be the 'off season' for many stallholders because they're not at the markets.
Please don’t forget all the markets are plastic bag free so get into the swing and BYO! |
