A 12-month investigation, commissioned by Indigo Council, has recommended expressions of interest be called to manage and run the monthly event.

An online survey conducted as part of the study found 88 per cent of 125 respondents thought Beechworth would benefit from a farmers market.

There were, however, some concerns from retailers about the integrity of produce and products, the effect a market would have on their business, food safety and auditing.

There was also a belief that Beechworth already provided farmers market produce locally all-year round.

The study identified 37 potential stallholders within the shire, with a further 113 in adjoining areas.

It suggested the Queen Victoria Park and the police paddocks were suitable locations for the event.

The findings of the study, conducted by consultants Regional Development Company, will be presented to councillors at a meeting at Tangambalanga today.

Councillors have been urged to call for expressions of interest within the community to manage and run the market, to be held on the first Sunday of the month.

Resident Amalie Tibbits, who was part of the former Beechworth Farmers Market Group, has thrown her support behind the initiative as an advocate for buying local.

“I just think there’s a lot of local produce and small growers, including those with home gardens, who could share their locally grown produce,” she said.

“I think it’s also a good thing for raising awareness of what’s grown in the area as well.”

But Beechworth and District Chamber of Commerce president Jason Dawson said businesses were divided over the proposal.

“There is an understanding that some businesses are not in favour of it,” he said.

“They see it detracts from businesses already in Beechworth.”

However, Mr Dawson said there were some retailers who see market as an added attraction to draw tourists and business to the town.