About Farmers' Markets New Zealand
Growing Aotearoa's access to locally produced kai, through authentic regional Farmers' Markets
FMNZ is a membership organisation, established in 2005, of over 25 independently owned and operated Farmers' Markets; over 1,000 small food businesses, with an estimated 50,000 customers supporting them every week of the year.
The growing popularity of Farmers’ Markets is something being seen worldwide, for a host of reasons:
+ Greater awareness (or concern) of what’s in our food
+ Growing demand for regional, unadulterated and organic produce
+ Climate concerns
+ Benefits of investment into local resources and economies
+ Increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture
+ Influential chefs pushing fresh seasonal ingredients combined with backyard garden old nostalgia
+ Supporting community ideals and connection
These are just a few of the influences causing Farmers’ Markets to flourish in New Zealand. The benefits are tremendous for the communities involved and should be enjoyed by everyone.
The Three Golden Rules of a Farmers' Market
Guidelines to uphold integrity and quality of our local food farmers markets, for regional communities to rely on.
1. Food-based Market
Primarily food and drink is sold (no bric-a-brac, crafts or non-food items) with exception of plants and flowers.
2. Produced in Region
Food is produced within a defined local area (e.g. 2hr drive or 100km radius from the market)
3. Made by the Vendor
Vendors must be directly involved in the growing or production process of the food (no on-selling or third party products)
Meet our FMNZ Committee Team
Our Aims
To facilitate the formation of a network of Farmers’ Markets throughout New Zealand
To clearly define the concept of a Farmers’ Market and to facilitate the development of this model in the cities and provinces of New Zealand
To support the viable and sustainable operation of existing and new Farmers’ Markets by sharing information and providing appropriate resource
To facilitate educational programmes within our Farmers Markets throughout New Zealand
To advocate on behalf of members at a national level.
Authenticity Standard
Farmers’ Markets New Zealand (FMNZ) created our Authentic Farmers’ Market guidelines to uphold integrity and protect what makes a farmers market, genuine. Helping shoppers feel confident they’re buying directly from local producers.
An Authentic Farmers’ Market is one that:
Is primarily food-only (with a high percentage of fresh farmed food, followed by value-added and then ready to eat)
Includes an average of at least 70% Certified Local Stallholders
Is built around producer-led stalls (vendors are the principal producers, or directly involved in the production process)
Features food that is grown, farmed, or made within a defined local region
A Certified Local Stallholder is a primary producer selling fresh, local produce they’ve grown or farmed themselves, and they may also offer value-added products made from their own produce or other locally sourced ingredients from their region.
An Approved Stallholder is unable to be Certified due to the nature of their products, but makes every effort to be as local as possible.
Our authenticity map and official authenticity seal will be available very soon.
FMNZ Chair
Jono Walker
Waikato Farmers' Markets
021 729 645
chair@fmnz.org.nz
Jono and wife Sarah run a small mixed farm of heritage breeds of free-range pigs and sheep near Hamilton. All processing is done in an on-site butchery, and all products sold via the local Waikato Farmers' Markets, which Soggy Bottom have been attending since the markets started. Jono is passionate about producing tasty simple food and loves the philosophy of direct selling at Farmers' Markets.
FMNZ Vice Chair
Dave Kennedy
Southern Farmers' Market
027 258 6686
vickbick.davek@xtra.co.nz
Dave served on the governance committee of the Southern Farmers' Market from 2007-2021 with several years as chair. He is not a stallholder but has a productive organic garden (including a couple of hens) on his quarter acre.
Dave is a strong advocate for food resilience and has had articles published in a range of forums supporting local food production and the value of farmers' markets. He also has governance and strategic planning experience in a number of national and local organisations.
FMNZ Secretary
Wendy Wilson
Nelson Farmers' Market.
027 434 8944
secfmnz@gmail.com
Wendy has been involved with the Nelson Farmers' Market as a committee member since its inception in 2004. She's been involved with FMNZ since it started in 2006 and is presently secretary for both. She is passionate about where her food comes from, how far it comes and how it has been grown. She has her own vegetable garden but it's not big enough to grow it all. She believes the growers and producers are wonderful, hard working, amazing people and the food they provide for us is the best!
FMNZ Treasurer
Juanita Lambert
Gisborne Farmers' Market
021 811395
gismarketmanager@gmail.com
Juanita moved to Gisborne, New Zealand in 2016 with her husband Chris, where she now manages the local farmers' market. She is passionate about local produce and loves connecting farmers directly to their customers. When she's not at the farmers' market you will find her teaching yoga , pottering around her veggie garden or chasing after her two little ones.
FMNZ Committee
Siobhan Hemingway
Farmers' Market Taranaki
020 475 6173
marketcoordinators@gmail.com
Siobhan's passion is plants, food and community. She works as Lead Grower at Green School New Zealand and is Market Manager for Taranaki Farmers' Market.
With a background in web and graphic design, she also loves helping not-for-profits and small businesses thrive online.
FMNZ Committee
Tony Cato
Waikato & Tauranga Farmers' Markets
027 438 5454
tony@catos.co.nz
Tony is a second generation grower, producing a range of vegetables and fruit in the shadow of Pirongia mtn in the Waikato. It's a family business with everyone helping out both on the land and at the markets - Tauranga, Hamilton and Cambridge.
Join the local food movement!
Be part of a thriving community championing New Zealand's local food systems and help grow our amazing regional Farmers' Markets.
About FMNZ
Helping grow Aotearoa NZ's access to fresh, local food through thriving regional Farmers' Markets. When you know your farmers, makers and bakers - you know your food!
Get in Touch
secfmnz@gmail.com
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