Praise for market

The new Whanganui farmers market section of the River Traders Market has been voted runner-up in the New Zealand Farmers Market Awards.

The award was announced this week at a ceremony in Lyttelton where awards were also made that recognised the best food producers selling at farmers markets throughout the country.

Feilding farmers market was named best in NZ for the second year ahead of the Whanganui enterprise.

Annette Main, who was involved in establishing the market, said the national recognition of both Feilding and Whanganui "highlights the value that our communities and our customers place on these weekly events, and reinforces that our region is a significant producer of high quality food".

"Not only do our markets provide a popular social gathering place for locals, but they also attract large numbers of visitors, who rate them highly as preferred activities, providing authentic experiences and a way to engage with local producers and communities," she said.

Stallholder Rae Doughty has also been singled out for recognition with a highly commended award for her goat cheese produced on the Brunswick Farm she runs with husband Brian.

Judges said her Lonely Goat Cheese stood out as a great example of local market produce. "We can tell that these animals are not lonely as they are surrounded by love and passion which comes through in the freshness and flavour of the cheeses," was their verdict.