After a slow start it looks like we're going to bypass Spring and head straight for Summer with this spot of warm weather. It's got me on my toes and the monthly update is coming to you early too. Part of the reason is to remind you there is no market on Saturday 29 October, as it's a 5^thSaturday, and we'll all be having a sleep. So best you shop up this Saturday at the Slow Food Farmers' Market!

Another reason I'm sending this newsletter early is because I will be in USA on a farmers’ market research trip for the next two weeks. You'll remember the Victorian Farmers' Markets Association (VFMA) Communications Officer, Sarah Robins, won an international scholarship to study the USA system of food vouchers for low income earners at farmers' markets. Well, it's an area I've always felt is vital to address and her motivation was just the kick along I needed to revisit the possibilities to assist a broader slice of our population to access fresh food.

Slow Food Melbourne are generously contributing to my trip but we will certainly both be funding the majority, as is the case in much of the development of the farmers' market sector and all my work with the VFMA as President. I'm brazenly mentioning this because if you happen to know any appropriate grants or funding sources to further this work, please let me know. 

With the new season stone fruit almost upon us Rayner's Stone Fruit Orchard need to clear out some stock!

So this Saturday at the Slow Food Farmers' Market they'll be selling boxes (12 x 375ml bottles) of preserved fruit for just $15! Normally a box is $72 - so it's a massive saving.

This Saturday you'll find Len Rayner right near the entrance gate at the Abbotsford Convent.

The VFMA is running a Great Home-Made Cordial Competition. To enter just submit a recipe and 300ml cordial sample by Wednesday 26 October. The Competition will be judged by VFMA Patron, Matt Wilkinson, owner and chef at Pope Joan, and the winner will receive a $100 gift voucher for fruit trees from Telopea Mountain Permaculture.

Full details are here on the VFMA website. Happy juicing!

The warmth has meant finally asparagus will be plentiful, we'll see broad beans and strawberries back this weekend but other things are ‘bolting' and seeding, such as leeks, celery and spuds which marks the end of their time around the markets.

This month we farewell Matt and Afrodite from Kinglake Veg for the Summer but welcome back Gundowring Icecream, Save Our Soil BD veg, Sunnyridge Strawberries and Garlic'n'More. You'll also see more stalls of the 'festive persuasion' re-appear or increase their presence. Leadoux Turkeys will be starting at Veg Out, Frank Food & Me puds will be adding Collingwood to their list for the rest of the year. I know it's actually only October, but please start planning and ordering early for Christmas!

Oh, there I’ve said it. So while I'm talking Christmas and planning, the December routine will be:

Sat 3 Dec - Veg Out    

Sat 10 Dec - Collingwood Children’s Farm & Coal Creek, Korumburra

Sat 17 Dec - Gasworks

Wed 21 Dec - is the only twighlight market for this year at Veg Out, 3-8pm

Sat 24 Dec - Slow Food, Abbotsford Convent