The Gloucester Farmers Market is currently operated by MidCoast Council, a situation council is looking to change.
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Council took over ownership from the former Gloucester Shire Council as part of the council merger in 2016.
Since then, MidCoast Council has been working to unify its processes and procedures bringing together ideas from the former three councils of Gloucester, Greater Taree and Great Lakes.
Most recently, council has been looking at its markets policy and with it, the running of the two regular markets in Gloucester, the monthly farmers market and the Gloucester Community Market held during long weekends.
In line with the newly adopted markets policy, voted in by council in March, all market organisers across the region will need to apply to operate both new and existing markets and council is taking the opportunity to offer the running of the Gloucester market to a community organisation or group under the proviso that monies raised are to benefit the community.
"We're pleased to be implementing an integrated markets policy that will support markets in our region to continue to deliver economic and social outcomes," council's economic development coordinator, Robyn Brennan said.
"The policy helps ensure any benefits gained from holding markets on public land are funnelled back to the community."
So basically, it's an opportunity for an interest group to grow and develop the farmers market as a focal point in town and a drawcard for economic and tourism growth while ensuring all profits are returned to the community.
Applications open Monday, June 3 until Friday, June 28.
Any interested parties can find all the information, forms and guidelines at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Community/Holding-an-Event
Council has confirmed the Gloucester Farmers Markets, which are held every second Saturday of the month at Billbong Park from 8am until noon will continue operate whether or not a market operator is appointed.
A farmers market is run by a community based, not-for-profit organisation, local government, social enterprise, co-operative or company as a place for farmers and specialty food producers to sell their products directly to customers.
