Berry local Chris Barnes, has been a regular at the Kiama Farmers' Market for a number of years. 

“This is such great news,” he said.

“I can't wait until we have our own weekly market in Berry.”

The market will be managed by Tricia Ashelford, on behalf of the Kiama Farmers' Market Inc.

“The Kiama Farmers' Market has been operating successfully for more than three years, and we have had repeated requests from Berry people to open a market here,” she said.

“On the supply side, we have producers from around the region who are keen to come to Berry every Thursday. These will include regular Kiama stallholders like Buena Vista Farm and new stallholders such as Cupitt’s Winery, with their cheese and wine.

“We anticipate we will have around 30 stalls on our opening day.

“We have the networks, systems and ethos to ensure the market quickly becomes a focal point for the community, as it has done in Kiama.”

Mid-week markets not only provide an extra market for producers, who are often already committed on weekends, but gives families the opportunity to make shopping for local food a regular part of their week.

The afternoon time slot means garden produce can be picked earlier on the same day.

“We are encouraging farmers and food businesses from the Berry and Shoalhaven region to apply for stalls,” Mrs Ashelford said.

“All applications and expressions of interest will be reviewed by the market committee with a focus being on geographical proximity to Berry and a commitment to supporting the local food industry.”  

The new market has been welcomed by the Berry Chamber of Commerce and the Berry Show Society. 

It will be held at the Berry Showground, every Thursday from September 20, between 3-6pm.

Local food producers and businesses wishing to apply to be stallholders should contact Tricia Ashelford on 0431 823 078 or via berryfarmersmarket@gmail.com