Premium Content Subscriber only A celebration of fresh fruit and vegetables was held on Wednesday with the fifth birthday of the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market. The market’s stall numbers and customers grew through 2020, despite Covid-19 impacting many small businesses around Australia. The farmers market was deemed an essential service as a supplier of fresh and locally-sourced produce, and it has resulted in major growth to the businesses. Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market president Deb McLucas said the marketplace had grown since its inception, but the community’s desire to support local business was a major reason for growth through 2020. “We actually had a positive impact from Covid, it gave us a huge boost from local support as they looked to shop local and find fresh produce during a time where people are thinking more about their health,” she said.