02 May 2006 - By ELIZABETH LEVERMORE

A chance for farmers to get a deeper look into their productivity is on offer at the upcoming Farmers' Market New Zealand Incorporated Conference to be held in Hawke's Bay next month.
FMNZ Inc committee member Chris Fortune, who is also chairman of the Marlborough Farmers' Market, said FMNZ was inviting people to take part in the inaugural conference on June 16, 17 and 18.
Mr Fortune said the conference would give people the opportunity to hear local and international speakers sharing their experiences.
Participants could also debate with the speakers about the many issues surrounding the future of food production, he said.
Speakers include Bernie Prince, director of Fresh Farm Markets in Washington DC, and Dr Alan Cameron, of Massey University, who has been studying farmers' markets in New Zealand for some time.
During the past two years, the numbers of farmers' markets in New Zealand has doubled, with 22 running presently and many more in the planning stages.
Part of the conference would include finding out what made them so popular.
Mr Fortune said the increasing number of farmers' markets throughout New Zealand was a tangible indication of the changes in shopping and marketing practices.
"Customers seeking fresh, good quality, local produce are coming face to face with local farmers, growers, preservers and bakers with delicious consequences," he said.