Farmers’ Market Grant Scheme

In response to the operating pressures facing the sector, a one-off grant for farmers' markets has been developed to support the operational performance, business sustainability and growth of the sector. The grants will also help ensure consumers can access in-season local produce.

The program will operate over two stages. Stage 1 will require the successful completion of a training workshop, after which funding can be applied for via Stage 2.

Funds can be directed to regional and metropolitan economic development growth opportunities through either supporting the business sustainability of existing farmers’ markets or encouraging the development of new farmers’ markets.

Program objectives include but are not limited to assisting with the costs of infrastructure, planning and licencing requirements and the need to improve organisational performance to ensure markets are financially sustainable over the long term and remain compliant with regulations. 

Financial assistance, in the form of grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) will be available to farmers’ markets operators to support business operations, build capability and ensure a sustainable business model for future success.

The program aims to support farmers’ markets efforts to become financially sustainable by improving the following:

• infrastructure (e.g. signage, toilet/hygiene facilities, power, onsite storage/shelter, accessibility, point of sale upgrades)
• planning and compliance (e.g. business planning, risk management plans, work, health and safety compliance, food safety training and compliance, first aid, auditing, specialist training)
• marketing and communication activities, including community engagement (e.g. specialist incursions such as chefs or one-off events)
• market development support (e.g. fee reductions or waivers for stallholders adhering to WAFMA guidelines), managed by market operators with justification provisions
• one-off projects that contribute to business operations and ongoing financial sustainability (including one-off costs for service providers and/or project staff salaries directly related to approved projects)
• up to 10% of project budget for administration and project management costs incurred by market operators managing an approved project, with documented evidence submitted with acquittal report.

Stage 1 of the scheme is open to both existing markets and those under development that comply with, or would like to consider complying with the Australian Farmers Market Association (AFMA) recommended guidelines below:

1. A predominantly fresh food market that operates regularly within a community at a focal public location that provides a suitable environment for farmers and specialty food producers to sell farm-origin and associated value-added specialty foods for human consumption directly to customers.
2. The farmers’ market is run by a community-based, not-for-profit association, social enterprise, co-operative or company with the purpose of complying with point 1.
3. All produce must be sold by the farmer/producer, family member, or employee directly involved with the growing, rearing, catching or manufacturing of the product. Co‑operative farming ventures may be included at the discretion of the individual farmers’ market, but must be genuine business arrangements, not solely formed to create the ability to resell products or sell multiple products at one stall.