The Victorian Government has announced a $30,000 funding support for the Ararat Rural City Council for a rural farmer's market.
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Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford confirmed the funding, which will be part of a $10 million investment in more than 50 projects through the Government's Regional Recovery Fund.
With the funding for this project, the Council aims to engage a local marketing expert to develop a successful sustainable Farmer's Market within Ararat Rural City.
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council were keen to develop a farmer's market to showcase the region's produce.
"We're fortunate to have so many primary producers in Ararat Rural City that are producing the world's best food and wine," he said.
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"Farmers markets provide valuable opportunities to showcase what we have to offer, providing visitors with the satisfaction of buying fresh, premium products direct from local growers and rural communities.
"Funding from the Victorian Government will go towards establishing a vibrant high-quality local farmers market and a regional brand behind the offering.
"This will offer visitors and residents alike the chance to engage with local growers face-to-face and hear their story behind the product.
"This will expand paddock to plate experiences, increasing value beyond the farm gate and retain profits here.
"We will be working with one of our small rural communities to determine the best location to establish the market, with the view to activate associated harvest festivals and events that further grow the local agricultural and tourism economy."
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Ms Pulford said funding projects like a Farmer's Market for Ararat are about rebounding from challenges faced thanks to COVID-19
"We are working to ensure our region has the support they need to move beyond last year's challenges and thrive into the future, helping to make it an even better place to live, work, visit and invest," she said.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said this funding program was designed to help communities recover.
"We've heard directly from local communities about how the past year has impacted them and that's why we are investing in projects which will boost jobs and improve the economy through our Regional Recovery Fund," she said.
The Victorian Government's Regional Recovery Fund was designed to kickstart regional recovery by investing in locally identified projects that address each region's unique and immediate socio-economic challenges, with a strong focus on creating jobs.
Successful projects were identified based on their ability to provide an immediate economic response and assist with recovery efforts while also laying the groundwork for future growth.
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