Celebrating National Farmers' Market Week

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market joins Farmers’ Markets across New Zealand in celebrating the first NZ National Farmers’ Market Week from 20 –28 March 2021.

Celebrate with us on Sunday 21 March. Heaps of prizes to give away, fun for kids and adults.

Kids can join the Seek and Spot quiz and for adults we have a shop til you drop passport, which could earn you Farmers Market prizes.

Online you can also join in the fun by sending us your recipes that include Farmers' Market produce. Every entry is in the draw to win. You can email your recipe, DM us on Facebook or submit them to the Info stall on Sunday 28 March.

Come along for spot prizes, great live music, and our wonderful market stalls.

As concerns about food-related issues continues to grow, so does the demand for local produce. The growth and success of Farmers’ Markets around New Zealand also provides opportunities for New Zealand farmers, growers and artisan food producers to sell seasonal, fresh food directly to the consumer.

The revenue generated at Farmers’ Markets tends to stay in the local region, thereby helping to support small and medium-sized local businesses.

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market began in 2001. It operates year-round (under Covid-19 Level 1 and 2) and currently has around 50 of stallholders selling a wide variety of food items including seasonal vegetables and fruit, bakery delights, free-range eggs, fresh and cured meats, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, cheeses, dairy products, nuts, fresh herbs, oils, local seafood, plants, and fresh-cut flowers, expressing the diversity we have in our region.

In addition to being a centre for commerce, the weekly market also acts as a community hub, where people gather regularly with friends and family.

As part of National Farmers’ Market Week the Marlborough Farmers’ Market is asking, could you eat exclusively from market ingredients for a whole week? How close to 100% can we get?

“We will be sharing meal plans and recipe ideas on the market’s Facebook page, to encourage others to take part,” says marketing and promotions manager Sigrun Steinhagen. “Together, we can ensure that we keep food diversity in our region, reduce food miles, and follow a healthy, seasonal diet, that encourages more local farmers, so everyone wins.”

“Farmers’ Markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers and growers, but in helping to create healthy, prosperous food systems” says Maggie Asplet, Chair of Farmers’ Markets New Zealand.

“By providing the opportunity for customers to connect directly with their food producers, markets serve as education centres. Stallholders are teaching customers about food production and seasonality. Farmers’ Markets are making people and communities healthier and stronger.”