The Slow Food Hunter Valley leader has set up a fresh food corner at Readers Cafe and Larder that is filled with produce from the city’s farmers.

She’s selling it on their behalf to help local produce reach shoppers while discussions about holding a fortnightly market in The Levee continue with Maitland council. 

Ms Dempster has put forward her vision for the markets and hopes the council will support the venture.

In the meantime, the produce market will kick off for the year at Maitland Show on February 17, 18 and 19, which has returned to its farming roots with a paddock to plate theme.

Fresh produce will be available over the three days and shoppers will have the chance to sample the food, learn how to use it in the kitchen and chat to the farmers.

Ms Dempster said the show was the perfect event to relaunch the markets because it coincided with the city’s vision to expand the availability of fresh produce.

At least six producers have already signed up. 

“It’s going to be a great start … I’m really excited about what we will be able to achieve this year – last year was about getting all of this started and now we will be able to build on it,” she said.

Ms Dempster said a fortnightly market in The Levee would be better for shoppers and farmers.

She said farmers had expanded their range of produce, and the amount they grow, to cater for a more regular market. She hoped to secure an afternoon time slot so shoppers could drop in after school or work. 

“It’s not convenient for the farmers because they have to pick it and keep it cool and fresh for the market, but it’s better for the shoppers and we need to do what is best for them,” Ms Dempster said. 

Ms Dempster said the overwhelming response from shoppers across the region last year helped shape the visions for the market’s future.

She praised them for sharing their thoughts and supporting the cause.