The ANZ’s Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal spokeswoman Neriman Kemal said the SAGE Farmers’ Market would boost employment for small growers by selling fruit, vegetables and other produce online.

As stallholders prepare for the first Christmas Eve market, from 2pm today, Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla (SAGE) president Fraser Bayley said the grant meant produce could be sold online by winter next year.

He said it was a win for growers and shoppers.

“The motivation came from the need to provide people who can’t make it to the markets with fresh produce,” Mr Bayley said.

“It will create a food hub with supply lines from around the region and we envisage this model will be utilized in other parts of regional Australia.

“It will create a more viable alternative for smaller producers.”

The farmers’ market began in January and is already punching above its weight, attracting a higher than average number of stallholders, compared to markets nationwide.

Ms Kemal said the project was funded under the Seeds of Renewal program and the selection panel “loved its innovation”.

“These are highly competitive grants and the SAGE project was absolutely what the project seeks to support. It is about rural, regional and remote communities pursuing innovative opportunities that will increase a community’s capacity for employment,” she said.

“We loved that SAGE had more than 200 passionate members and plenty of local support.”