Don’t be fooled by a glorious couple of Winter days; remember only last week? Many parts of Victoria have recorded extreme cold and considerable rainfall already so who knows what's in store for the next few months. Let's just hope that it's kind to us on market mornings...

There's much produce to look forward to over winter and many have quite a misconception thinking there's not much around. The robust farmers' market shopper, undeterred by the forecast, certainly continues to be rewarded for their efforts and we very much appreciate them!

Flagship produce at its peak right now is the brassica family; caulis, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, broccoli and khol rabi in particular. We've settled into a bumper apple season and the varieties seem endless. Then there's fab celery and celeriac around for soups, fennel and oranges for the most delicious winter salad combo, and mandarins; unwaxed, juicy and absolutely delicious. We've been spoilt by a fantastic quince season this year with them lasting well, plus now all the fresh nuts are in at markets and tasting great compared to the tired, imported equivalent we tend to see.

Just around the corner we have goat producers joining us at the markets and you'll see the return of kiwi fruit, lots of root vegies, all the citrus varieties, Autumn-made cheeses and the richest, fresh milk of the year.

The Victorian State Budget revealed good news for the farmers' market sector this month. The Victorian Farmers' Markets Association (VFMA) was part of a successful funding bid to continue work to support regional producers and markets with the continuation of projects such as the vital accreditation program, workshops and guidance for newcomers, industry representation and promotion of existing markets. Far and away the biggest allocation is to regional Victorian communities to encourage them to consider establishing genuine farmers' markets in towns and cities across the state. The VFMA is extremely encouraged this recognition has transferred from the Brumby Labor Government to the State Coalition.

Want to raise funds for your community or school? Want to support the Australian Citrus Industry? Want to promote rural education? Move over crap chocolate, Nangiloc Primary School has a great idea!

In a nutshell, during the Navel orange season (July - Oct) you place an order for 3kg bags of fresh oranges for $5. Local fruit, packed at a local packing house will be processed by the children from Nangiloc Primary School as part of an enterprise learning program. Then, for every bag your school or organisation sells, you will earn one dollar whilst supporting Victorian citrus growers, seasonal fruit and Nangiloc Primary School.

Find out more by phoning (03) 5029 1483 or email Nangiloc Primary School

VFMA Communications officer Sarah Robins has been awarded the international 2011 Geoffrey Roberts travel scholarship recently. Sarah will visit the US to research the United States' WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program which makes welfare payment beneficiaries eligible for farmers' market coupons. More than two million people benefited from the US programme in 2009. Her aim is to make a submission to the Australian government to introduce such a scheme here, broadening access to farmers' markets to a wider section of the community. The 2011 Award nicely completes the Australian circle for this annual international travel award because in 1997 the award was given to Jane Adams of Sydney who travelled to research farmers' markets with a view to introducing the concept in Australia. So much has happened since then...congratulations Sarah!