The city’s support for local producers and their fresh food will see Maitland produce market crowned the first earth market in Australia, and the 60^th in the world, on Thursday.

The earth market launch will take place behind Lavender’s cafe alongside the Hunter river at 11am.

Slow Food members from across the country, as well as Maitland council and the community, will gather to mark the milestone.

Fourteen producers, and a collection of backyard growers, will ring bells to signify the opening of the earth market at 1pm.

The market will finish at 5pm.

“This is putting Maitland on the map,” Slow Food Hunter Valley leader Amorelle Dempster said.

Being part of this worldwide network of farmers’ markets will put shoppers in touch with quality produce that has been grown within a 100km radius.

It also ensures the ingredients of locally transformed products, like jams and preserves, came from within that area. 

This strict criteria will ensure the market remains a fresh food hub of local producers for years to come.

The earth market movement, which is part of the Slow Food philosophy, is the next step to expand the market.

Ms Dempster said the title helped ensure the produce market stayed true to its roots and reflected the huge demand for local food in the region. 

“This will be the first earth market in Australia,” Ms Dempster said.

“Nothing is going to change, the produce still has to be from local producers. 

“There might be produce that has been picked or foraged in the area and then it has been transformed by different people into jams or relishes so shoppers can buy them when they are out of season.”

Ms Dempster said the usual wide range of seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, cheese, flowers and bread and pastries would be available.

Earth markets run in 17 countries and bring shoppers face-to-face with growers.

This grassroots connection allows shoppers to ask questions about where their food came from, and it gives producers the chance to get to know the people eating their crops.

The market’s strict criteria means food is sold at fair prices and has been grown in a sustainable way. 

It also helps to preserve the community’s food culture.