The reality TV juggernaut is casting a wide net as it enters its season nine casting phase. 

MasterChef producer Emma Turner said the show’s creators saw value in searching beyond Australia’s capitals for talent.

“Being a foodie doesn’t stop at living in a city,” she said. “We know that there are so many people living in regional areas who absolutely adore food. 

“Our season seven winner, Billie McKay, grew up on a farm and ultimately it gave her such a beautiful perspective on food.”

The scout will be at Sunday’s market from 9am-midday and will spend time visiting food stands and fielding applications and inquiries from the general market-going population.

Ms Turner said word of mouth had led the show’s creators to Foragers.

“[The show’s casting team] are on the lookout for the next batch of talented amateurs to tackle the competition in 2017 and with a blossoming food culture – they believe Illawarra region is a natural place to scout.

“Food trends do come and go, but ultimately what we are looking for are people who are passionate about food and cook delicious food.” 

Foragers’ marketing representative Sally Worsley said stallholders had the potential to impress. 

“Some of the people that run these stalls; they’re not professional chefs or anything, but they’ve cooked for families and they’re at that level where they’ve now taken it to the public,” she said. 

“Some of these people might be ready to take it to the next level.

“We’ve got one [stallholder], Paul, who contacted us about two years ago.

“He’d never done a food stall but he’d made handmade gnocchi for family and friends for years. 

“It’s people like him who aren’t qualified, but just need a platform.”