What Is A Farmers Market ?
Farmers' Markets New Zealand (FMNZ - www.farmersmarkets.org.nz) that represents 50 farmers' markets from Invercargill to Bay of Islands is supporting its member markets who traded on
Easter Sunday. Marlborough Farmers' market, Oxford Farmers' market, Hawkes Bay Farmers' market, Orewa Beach Farmers' and
many others farmers' markets all traded with overwhelming support from local consumers wanting to purchase locally
growen regional produce that meets the needs of their communities.
Hamilton and Invercargill farmers' market closed on Easter Sunday after correspondence from the Department of Labour
earlier in the week, saying that they would fine stallholders $1000 each and the market organisers up to $40,000 if they
opened.
A farmers' market is a exhibition and showcase of local food producers primarily involved in agriculture. Stallholders
at a farmers' market are local growers, farmers and artisan food producers who sell their wares directly to the
consumer, meeting the food needs of the local community . There are three basic rules
(1) A Farmers' Market is an edible market (no arts, crafts, bric-a-brac)
(2) A Farmers' Market sells edible goods produced within a defined region ( EG: 100 or 200 KM radius from the market
place - not from Australia or China)
(3) A Farmers' Market sells edible goods produced within a defined region, sold by the producer, or somebody involved in
the production (No onsellers, middle men, wholesalers or resellers etc... )
FMNZ finds the Department of Labour current stance with Hamilton farmers' market somewhat confusing, considering that
over the years farmers' markets have traded during the Easter weekend after seeking advise from their very own
department. FMNZ would be happy to provide locally produced edible products for the Department of Labours staffroom
cafeteria so that they can come to a conclusive decision on their own regulations.
ENDS