6 February 2014

1. Attendance/apologies

Present: Kate Raymond, Vivienne Moss, Sandra Makdessi, Stuart Whitelaw

Apologies: Isabelle Hennequin, Penny Cook, Hughen McCongaghy, Geoff Scott

2. Minutes of previous meeting

Minutes were accepted by Kate and seconded by Stuart.

Matters arising

Farm visits – Luke Hemler’s property was visited by Kate, Sandra and Stuart and a profile is being prepared.

Market financial sustainability – Contingent on meeting with council to discuss site fees.
Graphic Design brief. One return brief has been received and another due tomorrow. If neither are suitable then the option to approach another designer – specifically Don and Russell (Inky Smudge) – was agreed. Stuart has removed himself from the appraisal panel.

Helen and Dave’s request to sell pot plants – resolved to ask Jane Adams from Australian Farmers’ Market Assoc to advise.

E-commerce – further progress awaiting the logo resolution.
Problem of producers advising they would be at the markets and then not turning up which creates gaps in prime positions. Kate suggested that a punitive approach was not in keeping with the spirit of our markets and that we ask stallholders as a matter of courtesy that she be notified 24 hours in advance of any changes.

3. Financial Report

See attached.

4. Any other business

Meeting with Council GM Dr Catherine Dale to discuss markets license. Main issues to be canvassed:

Markets only require to be on site from 2pm to 6pm, so pro rata adjustment of license fees for time on site will be requested.
How can Council help us get more people to the markets?
Events at Riverside Park (including the farmers market) need some simple, modular sign support structures on the approaches to Moruya as well as adjacent to the Riverside Park sign.
Suggest that recommendations of the food security summit be implemented regarding returning all income from farmers markets to not for profit groups promoting sustainable agriculture.
Our markets are expensive compared to Bega ($12) and Saturday markets ($20), yet are barely financially sustainable.

River Cottage relationship – Aim to continue to build on this to increase profile of both local growers and markets themselves. Possible tourism outcomes that may be of interest to council.

Next Meeting – 10am Thursday 6 March at the SAGE Garden (Kate’s place if raining).

No further business. The meeting closed at 7.30 p.m.

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