IT was 10 years ago this month that the very first Worcestershire farmers’ market producers set up their stalls and laid out their wares, ready for the public.

It has been a bumpy ride over the past decade but the markets are still there every weekend, offering Worcestershire people the chance to buy top quality, fresh, locally grown or produced food.

Co-ordinator Henry Wormington, of Vicarage Farm, Hanbury, near Droitwich, has been there since the very beginning. He said: “It all came about following some meetings we had with the local councils to talk about how they could help local businesses.

“Malvern and Bromsgrove were the first markets to open, then Wychavon District Council got involved and helped us win some funding to employ our first co-ordinator, Janet Yates. She worked with the producers to set up more markets across the whole of Worcestershire.

“Some were successful, some were not – which left us with the markets we have today. Don’t forget, though, that some of our producers also supply farm shops, stores, garden centres – all sorts of places. Of course, though, the majority of our business is done through the markets, which are most important to us.

“Recently, it must be said our customer numbers are down on previous years. We’re all feeling the effects of this recession, so we are all trying to give good value for money. However, we are never going to be able to compete with the supermarkets and we rely on the generosity and support of our customers.

“Will the farmers’ markets be about in 10 years’ time? Well, I hope so. We are working hard to offer flexibility to our producers to ensure we have cost-effective markets, working side-by-side with our hosts and the various local authorities.

“As long as the people want us, we will be there for them.”

Today’s farmers’ market is in Victoria Square, Droitwich, from 9am until 2pm. Tomorrow’s market is in Angel Place, Worcester, from 9am until 3pm.

Next weekend’s market is in High Street, Bromsgrove, from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, October 9.