New faces for farmers' market group

Jan 16, 2023

New hands on deck: The new Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association leadership team includes Gabi Moritz, Allen Snaith, Charith Senanayake, Mark Jankelson and Sylvia Collett.

A new committee of management has been elected by Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association members.

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The organisation represents 500 farmers, artisan food producers and market members selling direct to the public through more than 30 accredited VFMA markets across the state — from Swan Hill, Echuca, Wangaratta and Myrtleford in the north to metro Melbourne and Warragul in the south.

New president Charith Senanayake leads a team including walnut, stonefruit, beef, pork and egg farmers as well as metro and regional market managers.

Mr Senanayake’s business produces Sri Lankan-inspired, zero-waste meals made in Melbourne using fresh, Victorian ingredients.

He has led numerous not-for-profit organisations, internationally and in Australia, during the past 20 years.

“For many organisations, recent years have not been easy, including for farmers’ markets. The outgoing committee had its hands full,” he said.

“Advocating to keep accredited markets operating ensured that our needs as small-scale food producers and farmer VFMA members were effectively heard by decision makers.

“VFMA members were able to continue serving customers despite the pressures of lockdowns, travel restrictions and public health measures. With COVID-safe measures in place, our markets remained the important community hubs they’re known as.”

He said the VFMA had recently undertaken a comprehensive membership consultation to develop its new strategy.

“The outgoing committee has delivered a clear direction and goals for the association’s future,” he said.

“As a new committee, we're rolling our sleeves up to get this implemented through 2023.”

Current VFMA accredited farmers’ market locations:

Greater Melbourne