Haverfordwest Farmers’ Market is the regional winner for Wales in the annual awards competition from the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA).
It joins a shortlist of just seven other farmers’ markets to compete for the national title of Certified Farmers’ Market of the Year.
The farmers’ market is hoping to repeat its success of 2006 when it last won the prestigious Award. It was a finalist in 2007. The market takes place on Friday, fortnightly, sited at the Riverside Shopping Centre between 9am and 3pm.
With some 27 stallholders offering all the staple foods for a family shop, and one or two luxuries besides such as gorgeous cakes, the farmers’ market has become part of the shopping habits of up to 4,000 people who buy there.
Although the market suffered a little in the cold weather at the start of 2010, the year overall has seen a good increase in business.
Kate Morgan, Food Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council and manager of the Haverfordwest farmers’ market said: “It’s good to be among the finalists again for this Award because it recognises the qualities of farmers’ markets that we truly want to uphold.
“Many of our stallholders owe their livelihoods to the opportunity provided by the farmers’ market, encouraging them to diversify their farming activities and create new products from their own and local ingredients.
“The influence of the farmers’ market is also present in the new home delivery scheme, Pembrokeshire Produce Direct, which enables people to get fresh local produce at any time.
“We’re very proud of the farmers’ market and all the stallholders.”
Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary said “Haverfordwest farmers’ market has a vital role, offering an urban population the foods that are grown and produced by farms and small businesses all around them – many of which would not exist without the farmers’ market.
“Although Haverfordwest is popular with visitors, the farmers’ market thrives year-round which shows that local support is very strong.”
In the stages completed so far, the farmers’ market organisers have submitted a detailed entry form, and been visited by a professional mystery shopper.
The national winner will be declared at a Gala Awards dinner at the FARM & MORE event in Bournemouth on 25th January 2011.
Haverfordwest Farmers’ Market takes place at the Riverside Shopping Centre, Haverfordwest. Contact: Ms Kate Morgan Tel: 01437 776168 www.pembrokeshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
