The Otago Farmers Market is an Authentic Farmers Market staying true to the principles of being solely a food market, with vendors coming from within the greater Otago region and being fronting their stall every Saturday to talk to customers. A weekly social event and part of the city’s fabric. The Market was established in March 2003. We are one of the oldest authentic farmers markets in New Zealand, and celebrated 20 years in 2023.

We are a charitable trust with a strong educational focus. The Trust consists of six trustees and three advisors. Comprised of talented and skilled community members and vendors, this voluntary group reviews all new applications to trade and works hard to maintain the integrity of the Market as a whole.

The Trust employs a market manager, an assistant manager, and a site assistant – all on a part-time basis.

History

In 2001, and with the encouragement of the Dunedin City Council, a Farmers Market Project Group discussed the possibility of establishing a farmers’ market, initially in the Southern Exchange area of the central city. It was soon realised that this site was neither suitable nor safe, so when an offer was made to lease the Dunedin Railway Station north car park, it was gratefully accepted.

Progress was then rapid and the first Otago Farmers Market Trust weekly market was held early in March 2003. That market was a great leap of faith on the part of OFM Trust and the 23 vendors who came that day. It more than surpassed expectations, with hundreds of customers and well-wishers coming from all over the city and surrounding areas, to buy fresh local produce. 

Since then, Saturday mornings in Dunedin had been changed forever. The market has become an essential part of life in Dunedin, and is a “must do” for visitors to the city. It is of measurable economic benefit to Dunedin, Otago and neighbouring regions, regularly attracting several thousand customers.