13 July 2006 By TANYA KATTERNS

More farmers' markets are sprouting up, with another five set to be wooing food shoppers by year's end.

Wairarapa produce growers are the latest to consider setting one up.

Farmers' markets have doubled in the past five years, with 26 throughout the country at which local growers and producers sell directly to the public.

By Christmas, there will be 31. A new market at Moore Wilson, in Porirua, opens next week, with two more planned for Auckland, one in Christchurch, and one in Masterton.

A Wairarapa farmers' market has been a year in the planning and has been driven by Wairarapa Food group – a combination of local food producers and restaurant owners aiming to lift the region's cuisine sector.

Food group facilitator Stephanie Gundersen-Reid said the enthusiasm was always there but it had taken time to pinpoint a location and agree when market day would be held each week. The venue could be either the Clareville Showgrounds north of Carterton or Masterton's historic Solway Showgrounds.

The choice of a market day has yet to be made but there was a strong preference for Saturday.