buy local at the market

NSW Bellingen Growers’ Market 11th and 25th The market’s ethos is to provide support for locally grown food. Colour-coded cards are used by stallholders to identify whether their produce is organic, chemical-free, local or hydroponic. Farmers from nearby Dorrigo travel down the mountain with their apples and potatoes, tell-tale red earth still clinging to them. There’s a grower who specialises in indigenous food and eschalots; another in pasture-raised pork and beef. Other highlights include local bananas, grown year-round, and gluten-free breads and cakes. The showground was built about 100 years ago — be sure to check out the Luncheon Room. Bellingen Showground, corner of Hammond and Black streets, Bellingen. 8am–1pm. (02) 6655 1279; bellingengrowersmarket.com SA Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market every Saturday The excitement has been steadily building at this small weekly market in past months, as the annual cake competition approaches. It’s the main attraction on June 25th and a source of great pride for the ribbon winners. Equally compelling are the heirloom pumpkins and gourds, and homemade quiches on the Yerelina Organics vegetable stall, as well as the seasonal apples, pears (five heritage, as well as more common varieties on offer) and quinces grown by the Boag family at Ashbourne Valley Orchards. Try their new cherry finishing vinegar. Market members receive a 10 per cent discount on all full-priced products and there are plenty of seats for those who want to stop for breakfast and coffee. 23 Mann Street, Mt Barker. 8.30am–12.30pm. 0402 975 152;