Farmers markets plan for St Clears
Farmers markets are to be launched in St Clears as part of exciting new plans to boost the economy.
Fortnightly food and craft markets are being planned in the Carmarthenshire town.
Organisers hope the venture will bring a trading boost to the area, with spins off for local businesses.
The markets would be held along Pentre Road, and once established could be increased to weekly events during the summer.
It follows demand for more community events from local residents and businesses.
The Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts in St Clears has also backed the plan.
St Clears Town Council has just secured a grant of £15,503 from the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness programme for market stalls and equipment.
The project is a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Menter Bro Dinefwr.
It has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The county council’s Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: “The overall aim of this project is to create a sustainable and dynamic food market that will act as a catalyst for the economic and social regeneration of St Clears.
“Similar projects in other areas have helped the regeneration of those towns. If feasible the aim is to start in St Clears in July.
“The markets will provide an additional interest for visitors and locals to come to St Clears town centre on a regular basis.”
The concept of a farmers market is not new, with farmers bartering and selling goods for as long as agriculture itself.
But the main emphasis of farmers markets is that they help local producers, processors and manufacturers to sell their goods near their source of origin.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Farmers markets play an important role in connecting shoppers with food producers and developing the local economy.
“People have the opportunity to taste and buy foods that have been produced locally.
“Carmarthenshire has a wealth of first class produce on offer and we are delighted to support this venture.”
Fortnightly food and craft markets are being planned in the Carmarthenshire town.
Organisers hope the venture will bring a trading boost to the area, with spins off for local businesses.
The markets would be held along Pentre Road, and once established could be increased to weekly events during the summer.
It follows demand for more community events from local residents and businesses.
The Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts in St Clears has also backed the plan.
St Clears Town Council has just secured a grant of £15,503 from the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness programme for market stalls and equipment.
The project is a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Menter Bro Dinefwr.
It has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The county council’s Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: “The overall aim of this project is to create a sustainable and dynamic food market that will act as a catalyst for the economic and social regeneration of St Clears.
“Similar projects in other areas have helped the regeneration of those towns. If feasible the aim is to start in St Clears in July.
“The markets will provide an additional interest for visitors and locals to come to St Clears town centre on a regular basis.”
The concept of a farmers market is not new, with farmers bartering and selling goods for as long as agriculture itself.
But the main emphasis of farmers markets is that they help local producers, processors and manufacturers to sell their goods near their source of origin.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Farmers markets play an important role in connecting shoppers with food producers and developing the local economy.
“People have the opportunity to taste and buy foods that have been produced locally.
“Carmarthenshire has a wealth of first class produce on offer and we are delighted to support this venture.”
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