Farmers market for Solway

A RETURN to a traditional style of shopping ? virtually from gate to plate where Wairarapa-grown is sold directly from the producer ? should be in business this summer.
Solway Showgrounds has been chosen for the venue of a weekly Farmers Market, organised by the Wairarapa Food Group who are still to decide on either a Saturday or Sunday.
The decision is expected at the end of this month and the market open for business by October.
The food group, whose 56 members voted between the Solway or Clareville showgrounds as a venue, is a combination of Wairarapa food producers and restaurant owners working together to support the region's cuisine sector.
Stephanie Gundersen-Reid of Go Wairarapa, who is co-ordinating the venture, said yesterday that modern-day farmers markets were sprouting up all over the world with 26 already established in New Zealand.
Ms Gundersen-Reid said to have the market at Solway Showgrounds with its agricultural and pastoral heritage was "ideal and it will be wonderful to see the historic buildings used more regularly".
She said the market would start off with between 15 to 20 stalls and be set up under some of the covered area of the sheep pens with the interior fencing and gates removed and kept in storage.
The area would be thoroughly cleaned and the floor covered with wood chips.
Because the buildings were a category one historic "precinct", which meant it was of national importance, resource consent was needed and an application was now before the Masterton District Council.
Wairarapa's moderate climate and farm-based economy meant that the market would offer shoppers an excellent range of foods, Ms Gundersen-Reid said.
"Producers already committed to selling have promised fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit, organic lamb and beef, all kinds of dairy products, eggs, herbs, fresh-baked bread and flowers as well as olive oils, pickles, jams and fruit juices."
She said rather than an overall licence for the market, which would have been difficult given the wide range of items, each stall holder will need to apply to the council for a licence to sell their produce.
Ms Gundersen-Reid said along with wonderful produce promoting healthy eating, healthy food, the market would boost the region's economy with dollars spent staying here, and perhaps even providing more jobs as growers expanded their business.
'The relationships a farmers market builds could make a positive contribution to Wairarapa lifestyle," she said.