Plans are afoot to establish a twice-weekly Tamworth growers’ market within the confines of the $2.2 million regional playground opening in Bicentennial Park later this year.

The concept is being developed by the owners of Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar and a group of gardeners determined to espouse the health benefits of locally grown food.

Hopscotch co-owner Jay Lynch, whose new eatery will open in the Kable Ave park in October, said he wanted to highlight the quality of the region’s produce. The proposal would see local farmers supply the market with fruit and vegetables, while amateur green thumbs could contribute food to designated community tables.

Mr Lynch, who runs Nourish Cafe at 360 Fitness, said the markets would be run by a board of community members keen to promote the region’s food-growing prowess.

“I think there is a shift across Australia towards people wanting to have a closer connection to the people who grow their food and more knowledge about where their food is coming from,” he said.

“Local families and visitors could come down for a coffee and maybe some breakfast while the kids play on the various attractions and then leisurely stroll through the markets and pick up some fresh produce from the local area.”

Jonathan Harris, the publicity officer for the Tamworth Community Organic Garden Group, said the market would encourage people to lead a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

“The reason why I’ve changed to eating homegrown and local food is simply because I don’t know where the supermarket food comes from,” he said.

“If it comes from overseas, what processes or treatments or chemicals have been used? There’s a huge backlash now against chemically-treated and processed food.”

Community members, growers and producers are invited to log on to www.tamworth 

growersmarket.com to register their interest.