READ MORE: Nowra Farmers Market backs local producers

Locals now have the opportunity to support primary producers, while supermarkets pull the tasty commodity from their shelves.

The market, which is being managed by the Kiama Farmers’ Market committee, launched on Thursday.

Manager Tricia Ashelford said the response from the community and stallholders had been “amazing”.

“It’s something some local mums and dads have been asking us about for 12 months now,” Mrs Ashelford said.

“At first I didn’t know if we would be able to do it, but I think once the bypass went in, it made it so much easier to get to Berry.

“We floated the idea to some of our stallholders and spoke to people down the coast and they all really embraced the idea, so I thought ‘let’s give it a crack’.”

The market launched with about 35 stalls, selling everything from apples, potatoes and berries, to cupcakes, wine and wagyu beef.

“We’ve got strawberries that are perfectly fine to eat, so come and buy them directly from a farmer – make sure they don’t go to waste,” Mrs Ashelford said.

“We’ve got eggs, jam, ready cut flowers and coffee, there’s something to eat for afternoon tea or an early dinner down here, and stuff for the kids to do – pretty much everything you could want.

“Over the next few weeks that will all start to flesh out, and all the gaps in the shopping chain will start to fill up, it will almost be a one stop shop.

“Kids walking around with an apple slinky in their hand, munching on fresh fruit is a great thing to see.”

The market will be held at Berry Showground each Thursday from 3-6pm.

Interested stallholders should contact Tricia Ashelford on 0431823078 or at berryfarmersmarket@gmail.com