Farmers market manager Kate Raymond said not all producers had time to sell direct and not all residents could get to the weekday afternoon market.

“Although more and more farmers, from Ulladulla to Cobargo, are retailing their own produce, customers still find it hard to buy local food,” she said.

“Batemans Bay in particular is really missing out,” she said.

One grower told Ms Raymond he was sending his produce to Sydney.

“He didn’t want to send his food away but he didn’t have time to set up and sell locally,” she said.

“Some growers have discovered farmers markets don’t suit their business model.”

In response, Ms Raymond has set up a veggie-box scheme, where consumers commit to buying food ahead of time.

“Customers pay four weeks in advance and receive a box of fresh produce every Friday,” Ms Raymond said.

Ms Raymond said the scheme required a change in consumer expectations.

“They get food produced without chemicals, she said.

“If all you are eating is food from a supermarket – you have forgotten what good eating is all about.

“But you have to accept what you get.

“The food is fresh and in-season but the farmers have to cope with weather and pest outbreaks, which can limit what’s available.”

Knowing the food was already sold, Ms Raymond said the participating farmers could sow their crops with confidence.

“They really want to feed their community but they need to know their food is wanted and not wasted,” she said.