Landmark for Island farmers' markets

Producers gather to celebrate decade

A grass-roots movement to support local farmers and food and drink producers celebrates a landmark anniversary this weekend.

A small-scale experiment to start a farmer's market in Douglas 10 years ago, has made big strides.

Regular markets are now held in towns and villages around the Island every week, giving shoppers a chance to support a vital local industry - and buy fresh produce with minimum 'food miles'.  

A celebration market to mark 10 years in business is being staged under the Villa Marina colonnades tomorrow (1 July) with a wide range of stalls, side-shows and entertainment on offer. 

Organiser Sheila Gawne, one of the original stall-holders, says things have really moved on over the past decade: