farmers’ markets

VICTORIA Alphington Farmers’ Market, every Sunday

Alphington is a new weekly farmers’ market — one of many managed by the Melbourne Farmers’ Markets who, in partnership with Sustain, The Australian Food Network and others, has created the Melbourne Food Hub. This ambitious project will in time include a farmers’ depot (to provide a city base and assist with a more streamlined distribution of goods); a commercial kitchen (to support small food businesses and serve as an education centre); and an urban farming space. Right now, everyone’s excited about the market, which has a terrific rollcall of producers including Kingfisher Citrus, Eldon Trout Farm, Day’s Walk Farm, Golden Plains Honey and Streat, a social enterprise bakery. Locals are thrilled that a market has opened in their area, but the fact that Alphington is on the train line also means that Melburnians are travelling from all over for the experience. Melbourne Innovation Centre, 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington. (Opposite the Alphington railway station.) 9am–1pm. (03) 9499 3400; mfm.com.au

NSW/VICTORIA Albury Wodonga Farmers’ Market, every Saturday

True to their twinned nature, Albury and Wodonga share hosting duties of this produce market, alternating weekly. Mary Done from Wymah Organic Olives and Lamb (now there’s a wonderful combination) is still basking in her success at recent Australian Olive Association competitions. Willowbank Farm, which sits on the Murray River midway between Albury and Wodonga, sells grass-fed beef and seasonal vegetables. There are several specialty producers who take part in the market: Peechelba Produce, who grow saffron and garlic that customers willingly travel for and Milawa Bread, a team of artisanal bakers who produce bread and pastries made with flour ground that day. For a brilliant start to the day, you won’t be able to go past a breakfast of Rutherglen Berkshire bacon and Good Lookin’ Googees egg roll. Albury: Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place. Wodonga: Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway. 8am–12pm. 0477 016 617; alburywodongafarmersmarket.com