February 8th, 2022Getting to know your grower

CENTRAL Victorians are being encouraged to get to know their local growers and purchase their fresh produce from the many farm gates in the region.
With disruptions to the delivery of food to supermarkets due to the impact the pandemic is having on supply chains, there’s never been a better time to support local farmers.
An initiative of the Veg Action Group of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, a new website is helping connect families to the abundance of farm gates that are open locally for people to purchase their food fresh from its source.
As well as discovering local producers, the Get To Know Your Grower website has details of farmers markets in the region and profiles on many of the stallholders.
After years of selling their fruit, vegetables, herbs and nuts at local markets, Irene and Andrew Brooks decided two years ago to establish a farm gate at their property in Trentham East.
“Our philosophy is simple,” says Irene. “Grow it, cook it, eat it. All our produce is grown on our farm and any fruit or vegetables that are not used fresh are turned into sauces, jams, chutneys, curds and fresh pesto.”
As well as produce including apples, berries, rhubarb, saffron and asparagus, plants and fresh flowers are also available to purchase. Details on opening times can be found on Trentham East Farm Gate’s Facebook page.
The Get To Know Your Grower website encourages people to eat and grow more vegetables. People can search for what is in season, get tips on growing their own produce and find home delivery vegetable boxes. There is also a list of cafes and restaurants that do plant-based meal options as well as vegetarian recipes.
Supported by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, and the Healthy Heart of Victoria project, it is hoped that Get To Know Your Grower will expand as more suppliers are added.

Link: www.veg.mrsg.org.au