What is a Farmer's Market?
A
Farmers' Market sells locally produced goods to local people. The concept
is obviously not a new one. Farmers have bartered and sold goods as
far back in history as agriculture itself.
The basic criteria by which The National Farmers' Market proposed farmers'
markets should be run are as follows:
Only
produce from a defined local area shall be eligible.
All produce sold must be grown, reared, caught pickled, baked, smoked
or processed by the stall holder.
The stall must be attended by the principal producer, or a representative
directly involved in the production process.
Information should be available to customers at each market about the
rules of the market and the production methods of producers. The market
should also publicise the availability of the is information.
Markets may establish other criteria provided they do not conflict with
the above. For example; the requirement that specific practices are
not used by producers, such as battery or other intensive production
methods; the use of antibiotics, different criteria for different times
of year.
Ely's
Farmers' Market originally began in July 2000 and three pilot markets
(July-September) were run. As a result of the success of these markets,
they were introduced on a regular basis and from January 2002 they will
run every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Special events are also
run for Easter, Summer and Christmas.
All produce being sold on the market has to be sourced within 30 miles
of Ely (as the crow flies), but for unusual or scarce produce a range
of 45 miles is allowed.
In
Summer/Autumn months when produce is at its most prolific, 30 stalls
will be selling produce including 3 organic vegetable stalls, venison,
salad crops, cheese, juices, eggs, cut flowers, bread, herbs, cakes,
honey, organic meats including ostrich.
