Christina McKelvie MSP has welcomed an announcement by Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead of a £200,000 funding award to help grow and develop Scotland’s farmers’ markets. The money will go to support the growth of individual markets and to fund a national Development Officer for farmers’ markets.

Central Scotland MSP Ms McKelvie said:

“This announcement is good news for Lanarkshire farmers’ markets, which allow consumers to access the highest quality fresh food as well as providing a showcase for the excellent produce that comes from farms in the area.

“The monthly Hamilton Farmers’ Market is a great example of a popular and successful market, offering products unavailable elsewhere – from locally grown fruit and veg to home-made chutney to ostrich steaks – and creating a positive knock-on effect for other businesses by bringing more people into the town centre on a Saturday.

“Farmers’ markets are not immune to the recession, of course, which is why it is very important to help them grow and develop in order to see out these tough times. This support from the Scottish Government will help to do exactly that and it will be welcomed by farmers and consumers alike.”