News information - 24th January 2008:

Farmers' Market search for more stall holders

Due to the continuing success of the Isle Of Man Farmer's Markets, the demand for fresh, locally grown produce is outstripping the supply. The Farmers Markets need more producers and growers to take up the plough and sow a few ridges of vegetables, especially as they aim to set up further markets island wide.

It is at this time of year that the ploughing is getting done - OK weather permitting! Now is the time to take a look at the fields that are going under the plough to see if there is a stretch of headland that you can turn over to a couple of ridges of veggies, farmers may be surprised at just how much you can grow from such a small area.

Consumers are being re-educated to the fact that vegetables are seasonal, and in being so have better flavour and keep for much longer, and also as the produce is local they have the assurance of traceability, and reduce their carbon footprint into the bargain. Now with floods in the UK spoiling so many crops, vegetables in the supermarkets may be in short supply, and possibly out of range of some shoppers pockets, this is where we can help bridge that gap, by offering fresh, reasonably priced local produce.

Shelia Gawne, chair of the IOM Farmers Markets urged fellow Manx farmers to action saying:

"Surely this is of benefit to us all? Why not get together with fellow producers, growers, friends and neighbours and grow a supply of locally grown vegetables between you to make it worthwhile in you having a stall? How about taking it in turns to man the stall, because the more you grow the more you will sell, and the Isle Of Man Farmer's Markets are always pleased to see new faces and will only be too pleased to offer you any help and advice in connection with the Markets.

So come on guys! Lets give the increasing number of people visiting the Markets MORE of what they want - good quality fresh Manx produce."

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