Marlborough Farmers Market gains momentum
Farmers’ Markets are a staple of communities across New Zealand, and for National Farmers’ Market Week, Marlborough’s stallholders are making it extra special. Marlborough Farmers’ Market organisers are putting together a special morning, with a series of spot prizes, including a $200 market package provided by the stallholders.
And with other competitions like loudest shirt, stallholders and organisers are eager to see regulars and newcomers support local small businesses and food producers.
“Marlborough’s Farmers Market is one of 40 across New Zealand, and thanks to people like Jenny Crumb from Windsong Orchard and Chris Fortune who have been key since its founding in 2001, it’s become a real Sunday morning community gathering each week”, says Market representative and stallholder Simon Lamb. A member of the national Farmers Market NZ organisation, the market is a direct source for Marlborough producers and consumers to meet one another.
It also fosters a spirit of collaboration between the 30 plus stalls, says Simon.
“Farmers Market NZ has three rules – to ensure its food and services comes from nearby defined areas and that locals are involved in the growing and making of the produce, so shoppers know that their money is going directly back into local providers”, he says. “Many of the stallholders have the Marlborough market on Sunday, and the Saturday Nelson market, as a key part to their income.
“The community around the Marlborough market is great, and we’re seeing more attendees consistently because more people are noticing the cost of living and seeing the value Farmers’ Markets bring while also helping stallholders flourish as local businesses. “The majority of attendees are adventurous with trying something new and chat to stallholders about their produce.
“It’s important for us to also be a weekly opportunity to connect with our community.”
Simon says that stallholders value the input they get from their shoppers, with it being an important opportunity to speak with a major cross-section of Marlborough. “People are so eager here – we open at 9am officially but the keenest shoppers are here at 8am. “We really pride ourselves on providing variety, because it’s important to make these close connections across our community. “Alongside our produce, we’ve got amazing places to eat across different cultures, great sweet treats and coffee all from local businesses alongside the produce.
“There’s really something made here for everyone and we hope to celebrate that with as many people as possible this Sunday.”
The Marlborough Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday at Blenheim’s A&P Park – head along to celebrate Farmers’ Market Week this Sunday 17 March.