THE first ever national Farmers' Market Month has been warmly welcomed by organisers of the new Bedford Square market in Tavistock.
Gill Gorbett, chair of the Tavistock Farmers' Market Association, is endorsing the initiative which aims to promote farmers' markets across the country.
'We are very supportive of the idea,' she said.
The Tavistock Farmers' Market will celebrate the national initiative when it holds its next market on the fourth Saturday of this month. This will be the third regular farmers' market held in Bedford Square.
'We have had two excellent, really successful markets and we are hoping that we can create this sunny weather every Saturday,' added Mrs Gorbett.
This September has been designated Farmers' Market Month and a programme of events has been organised with funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Farmers' Markets enable farmers, growers and producers to sell their own produce direct to the public, bringing the consumer and the producer together in a unique way.
Lord Whitty, rural affairs minister, said that the growth of community markets was encouraging.
'Just over two years ago there were 35 farmers' markets across the country. There are now over 250,' he said.
Lord Whitty said farmers' markets were beneficial to consumers, who can find out how their food has been produced and farmers, who can hear what the consumer wants.
'Foot and Mouth disease has been a setback but farmers markets are starting to open for business again. I hope National Farmers' Market Month will bring old customers back and new ones in,' added Lord Whitty.
James Pavitt of the National Association of Farmers' Markets, who organised the initiative said 'Farmers Market Month gives you the chance to taste the unique food and drink on your doorstep and to fall in love with local food.'