ALNWICK IS NOW A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET (APRIL 2008)

Shoppers braved the wind and rain recently to fill their baskets with locally-produced food at the newly-certified Alnwick Farmers’ Market.

Recognition of the market’s status by the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) was proclaimed by Alnwick town crier John Stevens at a ceremony in the town’s historic Market Place.

BBC Masterchef Goes Large finalist David Hall was at the event giving live cookery demonstrations using ingredients sourced from stallholders attending. “When the fresh ingredients are as good as this it’s easy to cook simple and delicious meals that take no time at all to make,” he said.

Among those celebrating the town’s new official farmers’ market status was Frances Rowe, Rural Policy Maker, at regional development agency, One NorthEast. She said:” Farmers’ markets are an important way for small producers to start to access new markets and to understand what consumers want. It helps the rural economy and it’s great for Alnwick and towns like it to have a flourishing farmers’ market. One NorthEast has put money into the North East England Food and Drink Group to help markets such as Alnwick’s to develop.” Frances was joined at the ceremony by Sandy Duncan, general manager of Northumbria Larder, the lead organisation in the new group.

Steve Revell, Head of Regeneration at Alnwick District Council, said that farmers’ markets were fast becoming a barometer for health and vitality in market towns across the country and he was especially pleased to see recognition being given to Alnwick for all the hard work that had been done so far. “The area has a great potential for more local food and drink and the award of this official recognition will be a great boost to both the market and the town,” he added.

FARMA standards manager Sue Thomson said that certified farmers’ markets are for local farmers, growers, bakers, brewers and processors who use locally-grown and reared ingredients to sell their own produce direct to the public.

Pictured at Alnwick’s first certified farmers’ market are young Juliet and Rosie Watson-Armstrong seen here enjoying samples on offer from the Northumberland Cheese Company, of Blagdon, near Morpeth.

Juliet Armstrong (centre) and Rosie Armstrong (right) enjoy produce fom the Northumberland Cheese Company.