Market Guidelines
The Castlemaine Farmers market operates under a set of guidelines designed to ensure the authenticity of all products sold, and to offer marketgoers access to nutritious food and an enjoyable market day experience.
- Products sold at the Castlemaine Farmers Market must be grown and made in Central Victoria. We have adopted the traditional boundaries of Djarra Country as our primary sourcing area. This is roughly bounded by Bendigo, Heathcote, Kyneton, Creswick and Avoca with a focus on producers within the Mt Alexander Shire.
- Value-added products (for example: pickles, cheeses and preserves) must be made in the region, with an emphasis on locally grown ingredients. If it can’t be grown in Victoria (for example: black tea or coffee) it must be value-added locally.
- The market exists to promotes nutrient dense, well grown, freshly picked or made, high quality produce with a strong emphasis placed on seasonality, variety and diversity.
- Farming and production that is certified organic, small scale, traditionally low-intervention (‘spray-free’) and regenerative agricultural practices are highly valued at the Castlemaine Farmers Market.
- If food is labelled as ‘organic’ then organic certification must be displayed and in line with industry guidelines <LINK HERE?>. The origin of all products must be clearly labelled.
- The market also promotes environmentally sustainable practices and is plastic bag free. Customers bring along their own baskets and bags. Compostable, recyclable and packaging free options are encouraged.
- The market provides an enjoyable shopping experience with a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
- The interaction between stallholders and customers is a key part of the market experience. Stalls must always be staffed by the people who grew or made the product being sold, a close family member or someone directly involved with production. Resellers are not generally permitted at the market.
- In a small number of exceptional cases we may allow resellers or products from further afield, only where the same item cannot be sourced nearby and the goods being sold significantly add to the market experience.
- The purpose of the market is to offer farm produce and value-added foods. Some related farming items may also be sold. For example, small livestock, fertilisers and composts, fruit trees, flowers and potted herbs and essential oils made from locally grown ingredients.
- Pricing must be clearly displayed and represent ‘good value’ in comparison to the general marketplace.
- All stallholders must follow best practice in food handling.
- Under the Food Act 1984 a state-wide, single registration enables food stalls, mobile food premises and food vending machines to operate anywhere in Victoria. These food businesses must be registered (as a food stall, mobile food premises or vending machine) in the municipality in which they are based (or garaged). Class 4 food business which are exempt from registration are still required to notify councils of their intent to trade. For more information, contact 03 5471 1769
- Anyone selling alcoholic beverages must obtain the appropriate license from Liquor Licensing Victoria at the stallholder’s expense. Information on liquor licenses may be found at www.liquor.vic.gov.au. <Check link>
QUESTIONS?
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