The first market will be held on the Ulladulla Civic Centre lawn from 2pm until 5.30pm on Thursday July 9, when local farmers will sell their fresh produce direct to the public.

With more people adopting a healthy lifestyle and choosing to eat fresh, chemical-free produce, organiser Simi Chee believes the market will be well supported by the community.

“It’s something local families have been wanting for a long time,” she said.

“The market will not only supply fresh, locally grown food, it will support local farmers.”

Phil and Karen Riley purchased their Milton farm two years ago and made a huge lifestyle change from city to country.

Phil said he had never grown a vegetable in his life until he bought Claydon Park Farm on Croobyar Road.

Now he is raising beef cattle, pigs and has planted garlic, onions and shallots that he plans to sell at the farmer’s market.

Initially he will sell vegetables from his existing patch, but Phil hopes to soon be selling local Square Meaters beef and Berkshire pork packs as well as bacon and ham smoked on site.

He said support from local families would be crucial to the success of the markets.

“I really hope it will be sustainable for farmers,” he said.

“A lot of people have worked hard to get the ball rolling and it’s a great thing for the community.”

ABC gardening guru Costa Georgiadis will officially open the first Gaia Farmer’s Market which will feature local produce ranging from meat, fish, eggs and oysters, to honey, fruit and vegetables, mushrooms and freshly cooked hot dishes made using local ingredients.

More than 30 producers will have stalls, along with food organisations, including Slow Food Shoalhaven, and there will be information about sustainable living, gardening and plenty of activities for the kids.

Anyone is welcome to sell their locally grown produce at the weekly Thursday market and should contact Simi on to book or share a stall. Phone: 0431 088 668.