Markets are the haven of quality produce and for many of us they are an untapped resource. Helping bring life to towns and cities, they offer so much more than simply a place where you can do your weekly shop. With over 500 farmers markets nationwide there really is no excuse for us not to be doing our bit, and the funny thing is, if you remember your manners and haggle, you may actually get yourself a better deal!

The whole experience of a bustling morning market is sure to add an edge to your weekly itinerary, offering something different to your standard shopping ventures. Not only do markets provide us with an abundance of high quality produce, sourced locally and fresher than any other outlet, but also a chance to interact with the producers themselves, so you can be sure about how and where your vegetables are grown and meat produced. This also bestows the opportunist in you the chance to barter! Trying to knock a quid or two off a block of cheese at your local shop would surely be met with disapproval, so remember your p’s and q’s and hit the market! However, I will say this: Bob’s been on the veg stall for nearly 40 years and has seen it all before, he’s no fool, so you’ll definitely need your A game.

Haggling aside, we all know that cash is a little short these days, but financially you may well surprise yourself spending a Saturday morning cruising around your local market. Whether it’s veg, fish or meat you are after, you certainly don’t need to beg poor old Bob to get yourselves a decent price. Much of what is sold at markets actually comes at a cheaper rate than your local superstores and mini-marts around the corner. Advantages such as cutting out the middleman, direct selling, and reduction in travel and packaging costs, all contribute to producers being able to nudge their prices down for you. A winning combination; great quality for less of a cost.

The benefits don’t stop there either. When buying from a market you can feel good about yourself in the knowledge that you have done your bit for your local community. Markets have an ability to bring people from all backgrounds and age groups together, encouraging social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities. They stimulate local economic development, support local business, keeping money within the community, which is surely nothing but positive. With current economic troubles the world we live in today is rapidly losing sight of its local businesses, which unfortunately has had severe effects on the identity of our local communities.
So, I’ll leave you with this: Go and see Bob (he’ll be there through rain or shine), remember your manners, and haggle away!

To find your local farmers market check out: www.farmersmarkets.net