Rain, hail or shine, for more than 15 years the market has been operating nearly every Saturday at the northern car park of the Dunedin Railway Station.
Market manager Kate Vercoe said there were usually about 64 vendors, but in summer they could have up to 75.
She said of those vendors, 70% sold primary produce and she wanted to keep it that way.
Over recent years there had been a slight decline in the number of people selling primary produce.
Ms Vercoe said this was due to the high price of land, making it difficult for people to establish land for growing both plants and raising animals, as well as some of the older vendors retiring and not being replaced.
''It is getting increasingly difficult to maintain that 70% ... and replacing big vendors can be difficult.''
Primary produce included all fruit, vegetables, eggs, milk, meat and fish. However, other products such as cheese weren't, as they had added value.
''We want to maintain our authentic statement. . . because that's what people come to the markets for. Everything else is a lovely add-on.''
She said those interested had to apply to the Otago Farmers Market Trust and then if they were accepted would go through a three-month trial period.
In that time they would be able to establish how they would go at the market as well as a visit to their property by Ms Vercoe to make sure they were actually growing and doing what they said.
''People want primary produce and to support local food systems and know where there food comes from.''
She said it wasn't just about food but also showcased the social resilience of not just Dunedin but the entire region and the amazing resources it could produce.
