Like me, you might assume that farmers’ markets have been around since the dawn of time but, in fact, the first farmers’ market in the UK was officially established in 1997 and since then the number has grown to over 550 nationwide.
Of course, farmers have always traditionally brought their wares to sell at market, but the modern iteration of the farmers’ market is relatively new. Here in Monmouthshire we are lucky enough to benefit from a number of farmers’ markets held at different times during the month across our county.
Buying at farmers’ markets makes huge sense – you can buy fresh produce direct from the producers and often at cheaper prices than you can find at the supermarket. By buying at farmers’ markets, you’re also supporting your local producers, reducing food miles and lessening the subsequent carbon footprint. In fact, I could wax lyrical all day about why buying at such markets is so much better than buying elsewhere. But there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about a farmers’ market, isn’t there? There’s that buzz and vibrancy, the myriad smells, sights and sounds that make you feel as though you’re really part of something. Give me this over the piped ‘muzak’ and stark lighting of a supermarket any day. And the produce is something else. Who can resist the mouth-watering selection of food on offer: fresh vegetables, meat and fish, breads, chutneys, pies, cakes and all sorts of cheese (my personal favourite!) The list goes on and on.
Sure, you might not find perfectly formed carrots, uniform sized eggs or plastic wrapped loaves of bread with a week-long shelf life, but what you will get is a connection with where your food has come from and the knowledge that you’re supporting your local economy. There is a rule at farmers’ markets that the person behind the counter or at the stall has to be the person who has produced the items they’re selling. With that in mind, it’s great to know that you can ask and engage with an actual human being about the production process of the their food or product without deferring to labels on the back of a plastic packet.
Here in Abergavenny, our own Farmers’ Market is leading the way in the cultural revolution by introducing a loyalty card scheme, believed to be the first of its kind in the country! Card holders can enjoy discounted produce at a number of different stalls and, by signing up to the scheme, receive emails and details about forthcoming markets and events and the producers who will be there. There’s no good reason not to get involved!
Of course, while the Abergavenny Farmers’ Market may be the central hub for many of us, there are plenty of other markets across our county offering a similarly wonderful social atmosphere in combination with great local produce. We spoke to David Buckley of Undy Farmers’ Market who told us all about their slice of the action:
‘People often ask “where is Undy?” We are just off the M4 near Magor. Undy originally meant one house, but now has become a larger village with a greater population than Magor with whom we have formed a combined village. Unfortunately, when villages expand to such an extent they tend to lose some of the village “get togetherness”. Hence, we felt there was a need to have some focal point within Undy and the ideal point of focus was our Village Hall (Undy Church & Community Hall).
The formation of a Farmers Market required considerable research and this was achieved with advice from Adventa; this is part of Monmouthshire County Council. We felt it was important that fresh high quality food all sourced locally should be readily available. Just as importantly, the food needed to be competitively priced. A small working party was formed to investigate first class food and this objective has been achieved. We have Meat, Bacon, Eggs, Sausages, freshly picked Vegetables and Fruit, superb proper Bread, Pies that have won the award for the best pie in the UK, Fudge, Cakes, Beauty Products, Wye Valley Cheese, Smoked Meats (they supply Selfridges!), Vegetarian foods, Chutney and Jams. In fact walk into Undy Farmers Market and you can buy everything to make a meal.
Since starting the Undy Farmers Market it is wonderful to see people in the village enjoying meeting and chatting over tea and cake. We are achieving our objectives to get villagers together by shopping locally. Have a look at our website; www.undyfarmersmarket.co.uk’
Abergavenny Farmers’ Market
When? 4th Thursday of every month, 9.30am – 2pm
Where? Market Hall, Abergavenny
Chepstow Farmers’ Market
When? 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month, 9am – 1pm
Where? Senior Citizen Hall, Chepstow
Monmouth Farmers’ Market
When? 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month, 9am – 1pm
Where? The Shire Hall, Monmouth
Undy Farmers’ Market
When? 4th Saturday of every month, 10am – 1pm
Where? Undy Church and Community Hall
Usk Farmers’ Market
When? 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month, 10am – 1pm
Where? The Memorial Hall Usk
