OUR Eat Local, Eat Healthy campaign turns its focus on farmers' markets this week and urges its readers to try them out.
Monmouthshire boasts four farmers' markets in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth and Usk and they offer the ideal opportunity for local people to buy local produce direct from the farmer.
Organisers say the best thing about the markets is that all the food is guaranteed to be fresh.
Date for your diary: Don't miss your local market
FARMERS' markets are one of the best places to stock up on local produce and provide a brilliant alternative to supermarket shopping.
Browse the stalls at one of the many markets held in Monmouthshire and you will find a wide choice of food, including eggs, bread, meat, honey, vegetables and cakes.
The markets are held most weeks in either Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth or Usk and a guide to when and where they are held can be found above.
Chepstow Farmers' Market was set up to boost local rural trade after the foot and mouth crises in 2001 and in the last two years it has gone from strength to strength.
The Monmouth Farmers' Market, held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, is also gaining in popularity with local shoppers. One of the main requirements for stall holders at both of these markets is that they are, firstly, farmers and, secondly, that they are based in the county.
Farmers who operate locally say there are huge benefits to consumers in buying from a farmers market as opposed to a supermarket - the main bonus being traceability.
People who care about the quality of food they consume can source their food every step of the way.
Betty Smith, of Newhouse Farm, Dingestow, is a meat farmer who helps to run and sells produce at the farmers markets in Chepstow and Monmouth.
The meat they sell has been reared on their farm, sent to an abattoir in Raglan, and prepared for sale in cutting and cold rooms on their farm. She said: 'The meat is fresh and customers know exactly where it comes from. If they have a problem, we know exactly who to go back to.'
* Chepstow Farmers' Market
When: 2nd & 4th Saturday of month
Where: Senior Citizens Centre, Cormeilles Square
Contact for more details: 01291 627416
* Abergavenny Farmers' Market
When: 4th Thursday of month
Where: Market Hall, Abergavenny
Contact for more details: 01873 860271
* Monmouth Farmers' Market
When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of month
Where: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Contact for more details: 01291 627416
* Usk Farmers' Market
When: 1st & 3rd Saturday of month
Where: Memorial Hall, Maryport Street
Contact for more details: 01600 869037
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