Celebrating National Farmers' Market Week

ThE Marlborough Farmers’ Market celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week.

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market joins Farmers’ Markets across New Zealand in celebrating the first NZ National Farmers’ Market Week from 6 – 13 April 2019.

This Sunday, 7 April we have heaps of prizes to give away, a Seek and Spot quiz for Kids, great live music, a cooking demo, an eating challenge, and our wonderful market stalls.

As concerns about food related issues continues to grow, so does the demand for local food. The growth and success of Farmers’ Markets around New Zealand also provides opportunities for New Zealand farmers, growers and artisan food producers to sell seasonal, fresh food directly to the consumer.

The revenue generated at Farmers’ Markets tends to stay in the local region, thereby helping to support small and medium sized local businesses.

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market began in 2001. It operates year round and currently has around 50 of stallholders selling a wide variety of food items including seasonal vegetables and fruit, bakery delights, free range eggs, fresh and cured meats, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, cheeses, dairy products, nuts, fresh herbs, oils, local seafood, plants, and fresh cut flowers, expressing the diversity we have in our region.

In addition to being a centre for commerce, the weekly market also acts as a community hub, where people gather regularly with friends and family.

As part of National Farmers’ Market Week the Marlborough Farmers’ Market is asking, could you eat exclusively from market ingredients for a whole week? How close to 100% can we get?

“We will be sharing meal plans and recipe ideas on the market’s Facebook page, to encourage others to take part,” says Market Chairman Neville White. “Together, we can reduce food miles, and follow a healthy, seasonal diet, that encourages local diversity to thrive, so everyone wins.”

“Farmers’ Markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers and growers, but in helping to create healthy, prosperous food systems” says Maggie Asplet, Chair of Farmers’ Markets New Zealand.

“By providing the opportunity for customers to connect directly with their food producers, markets serve as education centres. Stallholders are teaching customers about food production and seasonality. Farmers’ Markets are making people and communities healthier and stronger.”