The Victorian Farmers’ Market Association is hosting the 3rd National Farmers’ Market Conference from August 22 to 24 at Glen Erin, Romsey.

Ten years ago there were no farmers’ markets in Victoria; today they number over 60 across the state and about 120 across Australia

This year's conference will look at how the next stage the grass roots movement unfolds.

The two-day program with a mix of local and international speakers will address a wide range of topics including food security, managing change and diversification, market sustainability, accreditation, food trends, merchandising and marketing.

One of the conference’s keynote speakers will be Richard McCarthy, co-founder of Crescent City Farmers' Market in New Orleans and Market Umbrella. This farmers’ market operates twice a week with a combined annual economic impact of US$6.9 million and features many social and economic innovations including a local currency and philanthropic fund and senior and youth outreach to low-income shoppers.

Other international speakers will include Gareth Jones from FARMA, the UK’s farmers’ market body, and Sue Kedgley, who has been a New Zealand Green Party MP for the past decade and is an active campaigner on a multitude of food issues.

Some of the home grown presenters include long time farmers’ market stallholders Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda from Holy Goat Cheese and Zannie Flanagan, CEO of the Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market.

For a full detailed program and registration form visit www.vicfarmermarkets.org.au