Tuesday, 6 December, 2005

by Sarah Clarke

Gisborne will have its own farmers market within the next few weeks and dozens of local producers and consumers last week learned the reasons why it will be of benefit to the entire community.

The Fresh Thinking Farmers Market Workshop, sponsored by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, was open to anybody interested in the concept of farmers markets.

Chairman of Australian Farmers Market Association Jane Adams and chairman of NZ Farmers Market Association Ian Thomas presented the day-long workshop, the last of eight they have held throughout the country.

Together they discussed the benefits that producing and selling locally can have, for both vendors and consumers.

The workshop also revealed the various principles for establishing a successful market where consumers get fresh high-quality products and producers trade at maximum profit margins.

Mrs Adams, who is the Australian correspondent for Cuisine magazine, said this was the first time she had been to Gisborne and, from what she had seen and tasted, it would be the perfect region for a farmers market.

"My sense is that Gisborne is an ideal region to support a farmers market because of the diversity of products produced here within the immediate vicinity," she said.

"You certainly have a huge food bowl and the meals I have had out here so far utilised this and were fabulous."

Mr Thomas agreed. Because of Gisborne’s growers, produce, crafts and population base, there was no valid reason why a farmers market could not succeed.

Organisers were thrilled with the support the workshop received and the NZ Farmers Market Association would continue to support Gisborne as it worked towards its first market day.

"We have developed a handbook and are in the process of creating a website so hopefully we can achieve a real network of markets throughout the country," said Mr Thomas.

"Farmers markets are a fantastic and exciting concept and it is going to be of such a huge benefit to the people of Gisborne."