A new market initiative aimed at providing an outlet for local seasonal produce and artisan food made with local ingredients will begin soon in Luggate.

Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market organiser Amanda Vollweiler said more than 20 vendors plan to support the market, selling a variety of fruit and vegetables, cheese, free range eggs, breads, fresh fish and smoked salmon, flowers, olive oil, preserves and coffee, as well as a range of brunch and lunch items.

“Where possible the aim is to support vendors who live in the area, and are growing and using local ingredients,” she said.

The market will be held on the reserve beside the Luggate Memorial Centre. 

The plan is to run it once a month during the summer, starting December 15, and then review its success, she said.

Vendors signed up for the market include salmon producers Hook Wanaka, Queensberry’s Susi Q’s Garden, organic market garden Frog Song Farm, and Red Bridge Berries.

Frog Song Farm owners Lisa Johnston and Greg Inwood said they will have a range of salads, carrots, herbs, walnuts as well as “a crop of green romanesco cauliflowers grown in anticipation of this market”.

“We’re looking forward to it as it’ll be a good chance for us to meet with and chat with our customers and supporters. It will be a great connecting event for our local food community…” Lisa said. 

Red Bridge Berries co-owner Bex Trotter said the market concept is ideal for Luggate as the reserve venue has good capacity for vendors, plenty of parking for market-goers and the bonus of the playground for families.

“It’s a great initiative for locals and visitors to buy fresh produce,” Bex said.

She said a local market has been needed for a long time but perhaps only now are there enough local producers to support a market with a wide range and variety of locally grown products.

Also attending will be Luggate-based catering company Fox and Badger. Known for creating fresh local and sustainable food, Fox and Badger’s co-owner Maria “Maz” O’Leary said a market like this in Luggate is a good initiative.

“I think it’s great that Luggate will be coming together as a community... people here are really engaging and the community vibe is exactly what’s needed to make it a success,” Maz said.

The first market day starts at 9am and runs until 1:30pm on Sunday, December 15. 

PHOTO: Supplied