THE first ever national Farmers' Market Month, announced by the Government last week, has been given a warm welcome by the organiser of Okehampton Farmers' Market.

Okehampton was the second town in Devon to start up a farmers' market three years ago and the monthly event has become a great success.

The man behind it, Derek Godfrey-Brown, said the market had raised an awareness of the quality of local food.

'There are so many producers in the area which we were not aware of before, and there have been spins offs from the market like the vegetable box scheme operated by Holsworthy Organics which has been very successful,' he said.

Produce at Okehampton farmers' market ranges from Pammy Riggs' award winning organic pork to buffalo cheese, sausages, beef, cakes and pasties and apple juice.

'In a recent report it concluded that for every £10 spent at a farmers' market, it represented £25 for the local economy,' added Mr Godfrey-Brown.

'As well as creating jobs and bringing people into the town to shop, buying locally cuts down on food miles which is in turn saving the planet.'

Some traders in Okehampton who feared that the market may actually compete with their businesses are now very supportive of it, because it benefits the town as a whole by attracting more shoppers in.

'People spend money at the market and in the shops and that is helping the well being of the town,' said Mr Godfrey-Brown.

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.'