Our new format is not the only thing that we are changing at the ASFM.

Over the next few months we will implement some organisational changes to help us manage the Market better during the next stage of our development. These changes will help improve the way we do business and the way we communicate with our members, customers and sponsor partners.

Some of the changes include investing in purpose-built membership software, moving into a larger office and we have employed a Communications and Customer Relations Assistant.

The ASFM committee and staff are very excited about these changes as it heralds a new stage of professional development for the ASFM. We hope the new changes will make it easier for you to contact us and for us to serve you more effectively.

Last month, Market Manager Aerlie and I, attended the NZ Farmers’ Market Conference held in Hamilton, NZ. The big topic of debate was how to authenticate growers and markets to ensure consumers could have faith in the origin of produce sold through ‘real’ farmers’ markets. We currently visit all stall holders before they are allowed to enter the Market but we feel we must do more to safeguard the reputation of the Market as a whole and to ensure the ongoing trust of our customers.

Victoria and NZ are in the process of rolling out their authentication systems and the UK Farmers’ Market Association has a system up and running. Authentication is one of the issues the newly-formed SAFMA (SA Farmers’ Market Association) will consider over the next few months.

We are pleased to report that the New Zealanders and the British are keen to emulate our member-based market model and we will work together in the future to ensure good ideas are shared between markets the world over.

Bernie Prince who manages the Fresh Farm Markets around Washington DC also attended the conference and described to us what it was like trying to open a new market next to the White House with the First Lady officiating. Customers were kept at bay while sniffer dogs and security marksmen ensured the site was safe!

Sadly not all news is good news. We would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Jurgen and Ploi from Jurgen's Tasty Treats, whose last day at the Market will be on 11 July. They have been with us since we started in October 2006 and we would like to thank them for providing us with their fabulous cakes and baked goods during this time and for bringing a great sense of fun to the Market and wish them well into the future. We will miss them!

Finally we would like to thank Simon Bryant for donating his time to the Market in his capacity as Kids’ Club Patron. At his request we will be making a donation to Animals Asia as a thank you to Simon.

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