More than ever, Farmers' Markets are seen to be good for farmers, rural communities, market towns, the environment, your health and your taste buds. They save on transportation costs, ensure the freshest local produce is available, offer cash flow benefits to producers and 'capture' retail spend within local communuties.

It is preferable that the Farmers' Market organiser is a member of the National Farmers Retail Markets Association.(FARMA) as this brings credibility to the Market and ensures that the organiser follows best practice. ( Fenland Farmers Markets are Members of FARMA ).

However, in general terms there are three golden rules that should apply to every genuine Farmers' Market.

They are primarily:

• Producers must be local, defined as within a specified radius of the market (Usually 30 miles but can be 100 miles for unusual or specialised items)
• Producers must sell their own produce. Bakers etc should use a minimum of 10% local ingredients.
• The person serving on the stall must be the producer, a close family member or an employee directly involved with production (a knowlegable representative), allowing you to ask direct questions about how the stock was produced.

There are other criteria requirements for producers to meet - please see Fenland Farmers' Markets Rules.

Up and coming dates for Fenland Farmers’ Markets

March: (Monthly): On Wednesdays

Usually the Last Wednesday of each Month:

Next dates for 2010;  30 June, 28 July, 25 August, 29 September, 27 October, 24 November,

22 December (Early due to Xmas)

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01354 654321 or e-mail marketsandevents@fenland.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can visit any of our One-Stop-Shops located within the Town Centres of Chatteris, March, Whittlesey or Wisbech.

For further information on all other Engineering Services matters, including Car Parks and Markets, please click here.