IT'S been pipped to the post by Edinburgh in the quest to find Britain's Favourite Farmers' Market but Tavistock is still proud to be the best in the west! Tavistock was on a shortlist of six for the title in the Country Life 2006 competition in association with Strutt and Parker, after being announced as regional winner last week. Edinburgh was chosen as Britain's best by the magazine's panel of expert judges, including Clarissa Dickson Wright, Tom Parker Bowles and John Burton Race. The criteria for judging was rooted in the ever-changing role and increasing importance of farmers' markets in both the local community and the world of British food. All six finalists promoted exceptional quality and pride in their range of fresh, local produce and offered services which enhanced the overall experience and promoted sustainable British food in the UK, said the judges. Acclaimed chef John Burton Race, who was flying the flag for farmers' markets in the South West, said: 'The competition was certainly strong and all the finalists should be commended for the high standards that they set for farmers' markets across the UK.' Manager of Tavistock Farmers' åMarket Maria Jones said she was a little disappointed but the success of the market was still there in black and white. 'It is still a huge achievement to win the south west competition and I am very proud of how far we have got,' she said. All the producers at the farmers' market last Saturday were presented with a bottle of champagne from the Tavistock Farmers' Market Association to congratulate them on the title. Mark Hedges from Country Life said: 'Local food is attracting more interest than it has for a generation and is an issue increasingly at the centre of everyone's thinking. 'We are delighted to sound the fanfare for farmers' markets, which are the bedrock of local food success, and all six finalists represent the best that Britain has to offer.'
