Come along and have a go

It is not always as clear what the true price of that food represents.

If you have ever considered what the alternative is to buying food from a supermarket, then you should make a note in your diary to visit your local farmers' market.

Worcestershire now hosts up to 10 markets a month allowing producers to sell their produce in a different county town each weekend.

In this way, farmers and food producers can make available fresh food directly from where it is produced and the range of foods that Worcestershire has to offer is huge.

Fruit and vegetables are always abundant, offering the most seasonal and varied selection.

Meat is also well represented with producers who specialise in pork, beef and lamb or poultry.

"We have a really committed following, particularly for our chickens and ducks," said Phillip Boddington, who brings his home-produced poultry.

Also available are fresh bread and pasties, preserves and cakes to name but a few.

The new chairman of the Worcestershire Farmers' Market Group, farmer and meat producer Andrew Keysall, said: "We are really keen to encourage new producers to come along and have a go at directly retailing their produce.

"The feedback we get from our customers is so useful when it comes to planning which direction we should take our business."

One of the newest members of WFMG's producer group is Rachel Young. whose business Cedar Cottage Soups is wowing customers across the county.

"I'm really thrilled with the way that my business has taken off," said Rachel.

"I really believe that if my customers can sample one of my soups they'll be hooked and so I always offer free tasters."

And from the crowd of people gathered around her stall at Malvern in December, it was clear that this is a very popular way to win over shoppers.

"It was so easy to get involved with the group," said Rachel.

"I simply contacted the committee organiser who arranged for my audit which was straightforward, because everything I produce is made in my own kitchen."

Standards for WFMG are all important. Verification of producers' authenticity is conducted by Richard Toft, from Pershore College, who independently carries out annual audits of each member on behalf of the group.

"Although this sounds like regulation for the sake of it," said Richard "this is actually an essential part of how we can maintain the integrity of our markets and promote our values with confidence to consumers."

New venues are being arranged all the time.

The popular occasional farmers' market that has been held at Webbs of Wychbold throughout 2004 is now to be held every month reflecting customer demand.

If you are interested in becoming involved as a customer or a producer, you can contact the WFMG secretary, Cheryl Keysall, who can forward up-to-date information about the group's activities.

Market dates

Saturday, January 8, 9am-5pm, Bromsgrove High Street

Sunday, January 9, 10am-2pm, Royal Worcester, Severn Street

Friday, January 14, 9am-4pm, Kidderminster High Street

Saturday, January 15, 9am- 2pm, Malvern Abbey Road

Sunday, January 16, 10am-1pm, Welland Village Hall

Saturday, January 22, 9am-2pm, Tenbury Wells, Teme Street and 10am-1pm, Bredon Village Hall

Sunday, January 23, 10am - 2.30pm, Bewdley op. Dog Lane Car Park

Sunday, January 30, 10am - 4pm, Webbs of Wychbold

For more information call 07795 656148 or visit www.worcestershirefarmersmarkets.net.