Aberdeenshire has a rich tradition for production of quality foods. The development of farmer and produce markets in Aberdeenshire is gaining in popularity with strong consumer demand for fresh, local produce.
Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Grampian hosted a seminar on 26 May 2004, held at the Barn & Bushel, Thainstone, to explore co-operation and marketing potential for farmer and produce markets in Aberdeenshire and surrounding area. Councillor Bill Howatson chaired the event.
Vicky Thomson, Rural Development Officer at Aberdeenshire Council explained: "Although we undoubtedly have some strong markets within the area, there is scope for the market circuit in Aberdeenshire to consolidate and develop further. With customer demand for local produce increasing, we need to identify the potential for new markets. At the moment the markets are run mainly on a voluntary basis with some affiliated to national market associations and others operating independently. A more cohesive approach could enable the markets to undertake joint marketing activities and perhaps even have a web-site and brochure."
"Farmers Markets are good news in that they help fuel the local economy, as the shops within the towns tend to enjoy more business on market days," said Walter Burns, Development Executive at Scottish Enterprise Grampian. "They also make a big contribution in creating a more vibrant feel to a town, which brings in more visitors and adds to the overall tourism experience. There are many opportunities to be explored for Farmers Markets such as inclusion in food tourism trails."
The day's event investigated the development of farmers markets in Scotland, hearing first hand in the morning from Douglas Watson, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society and farmer producers Tom Mitchell from Fife and Howard Wilkinson from Ayrshire.
The afternoon concentrated on issues specific to Aberdeenshire and the North East. Local entrepreneurs Pat Mitchell, Mitchell's Dairies, Andrew Booth, The Store, Foveran and Alistair Massie, Isabella's Preserves gave their insight into the practicalities and benefits of direct selling quality niche products in market towns.
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