MEET THE PRODUCERS

Steven Adey, Darling Mills Farm, Berrilee, NSW

Twenty years ago, Steven Adey signed up to Sydney’s first growers’ market in Pyrmont and not long after became a founding stallholder at the Northside Produce Market in North Sydney. As a grower of salad leaves, he was one of the pioneering farmers from around Australia to join the fledgling farmers’ market movement. In doing so, he’s helped forge a permanent and significant link in Australia’s food chain; one that provides fresh, seasonal and regional produce to shoppers who opt to buy direct from farmers and small food producers. “Farmers’ markets are perfect for my situation,” says Steven, who grows more than a hundred types of salad leaves, herbs, micro herbs and edible flowers. “The farm is like a big vegetable garden, filled with a little bit of everything, and it’s this diversity that creates a more sustainable and ecologically sound farming landscape.” It also has customer appeal. “The enthusiasm of our customers has been vital in helping us to adapt to changing tastes and demands — plus, they’ve motivated us to try new and varied crops,” he says. The latest is myoga, or Japanese ginger. “It’s a fascinating plant,” Steven says. “You eat the flower bud, which grows out from under the plant. It’s in season in a few weeks, from late summer into early autumn.” Using the fabulous produce at his disposal, Steven’s son Max, a chef, makes sauces (chimichurri is a favourite), dips and curry pastes, also sold at the market stall. You’ll need to arrive early though as they, like the salad greens, sell out early. darlingmillsfarm.com.au