Tamworth Growers’ Market stallholder and gardeners member Anna Treneman said they probably attracted about 350 people to the first market on Saturday, with only a small amount of promotion.

The market will run weekly and gives people a chance to sell off their excess backyard produce, another avenue for various stallholders to peddle their wares, and for shoppers to get back in touch with the people growing and making their food.

“So many people want to get out of the supermarket and want to have different food options and food choices,” Ms Treneman said.

“People are keenly aware that we live in a farming community, but where does all that food go? Why does it go to the supermarkets then come back to us at a higher price after it has been stored? We should be able to get the freshest and the best and that’s not an option for us normally.

“Anyone who’s got excess produce in their own backyard veggie garden can make an inquiry. We will on-sell it for them and take a percentage.”

The market is in Bicentennial Park near the new regional playground.