The markets will be held on Thursdays every week at the Backpackers, just up from Royal Square. A range of food and drink will be available, all of which has been produced within 30 miles of the town, including fresh meats and fish, vegetables, fruit juice, speciality breads, chocolates, herbs and flowers. Around a dozen local farms and food businesses will be attending the market each week.
The markets have been organised by a community group, GULP, ( Great-tasting Unbeatable Local Produce). The aim of the markets is to give residents the chance to buy more local food than is available in the larger supermarkets. This will help strengthen the area’s farming economy and will reduce the environmental impact of ‘food miles’ – the distance food travels from the farm to the consumer.
One of the market organisers, Tim Andrewes, commented:
" Since the idea of a local farmers’ market was first raised, there has been a lot of interest from shoppers as well as food producers. Bookings for the first markets are already going well, even though the number of crops available in April tends to be quite limited. We expect to have a range of vegetables and fruit that changes through the seasons.
"One of the great aspects of farmers’ markets is that shoppers can meet local producers and talk with them about how the food is made, or how their animals are treated. This is really important in giving consumers confidence in the quality of what they’re buying, and it also helps to connect people with local farmers and growers."
The farmers’ market project has been supported by Penwith District Council and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund’s Small Grant Scheme.
The market will be open between 9.30am and 3pm every Thursday. Admission is free. For further information, please contact Tim Andrewes on 01736 795387.
