Many of the farmers’ markets in the region were established ten years ago in 1999 or 2000.

This month:

Morpeth 7th Nov Hexham 14th Nov and Durham 19th Nov

all celebrate their 10th birthdays

So there’ll be a real party atmosphere on these markets with cookery demonstrations, competitions, buskers and birthday cakes. See your local press for more details – and look out for special birthday prize draw vouchers.

When farmers’ markets started in the North East, ten years ago, there were few farm shops and the supermarkets did not feature ‘local food’ – which could generally only be found at the farm gate, a few pick your own sites and in those market towns still lucky enough to have independent shops.

In the past ten years, the markets have contributed to an increased awareness of local food – and the whole range of reasons why people should buy it.

Now that there are very many more farm shops, internet sales and you can get ‘local’ food in supermarkets – the farmers’ markets have a lot more competition.

But there is still a long way to go – we estimate that 10-20,000 people shop at farmers’ markets in the North East each month – but with a total population of some 2.2 million, there’s still room for growth!

And with our bigger producers ‘graduating’ from the markets as they start supplying retailers – there should be continuing scope for new producers to try out what is still the most cost-effective way of test-marketing new local produce.

Here’s to the next ten years of farmers’ markets in the North East!