The Orange Farmers Market has been a much-needed boost for its vendors and has brought a community together since it resumed last month, one vendor says.
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Second Mouse Cheese Co. owner SJ Pienaar said the market had been crucial for her after several months of lockdown.
She said vendors had been hurting during lockdown.
"Eighty-five per cent of my business is through farmers markets and restaurants which hurt during lockdown, and I couldn't speak exactly for other vendors but for some it would have been as significant," she said.
"It was great to get back into it and see everyone after lockdown."
The community side of it - both from vendors and market sellers being able to get together and from people being able to head back and buy - had been significant, which had potentially been driven by a switch of focus during panic buying.
"There's been a bit of a new crowd and a new customer base at the markets since it restarted," Ms Pienaar said.
"People have really taken an interest in where their food comes from, and are really keen to get involved with local produce."
She said the market's re-opening had led the way and been a result of the committee pulling together.
"I want to give a shout-out to the committee, the Orange markets have been a good example to other markets across the region as to how to open up.
The Orange Farmers Market will be held at the Orange Showground from 8.30am on Saturday.
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