Nelson Farmers Market celebrates 20 years
Nelson woman Jasmine Adler shops at the city’s farmers market “come rain or shine”.
She buys around half her family’s weekly food shop at the market – next to the Elma Turner Library, each Wednesday.
“I really value fresh, local produce,” the nutritional therapist said.
“It’s important to nourish ourselves with the best-quality food around … [with prices] comparable with what I would buy at the supermarket, often a lot cheaper.”
It was thanks to loyal customers, dedicated producers and the support of the city council that the market had made it to its 20th anniversary, market manager Miriam Clark said.
The market had survived many challenges, including multiple moves, floods, droughts and recession, with customers valuing fresh and affordable food that was “nutrient dense”, and “clean” with “low food miles”, she said.
The first market was held on Sunday October 30, 2005 at Founders Park, as part of “a global and national trend” which “recognised the benefit of buying locally, direct from the growers/producers”, Clark said.
The market changed to a Friday, trialling different times and days “to try to find its niche within the Nelson community” – and switched to a Wednesday when it moved to Morrison Square in 2009 to help “capture inner city workers”, she said.
But in 2017 the market was served an eviction notice from Morrison Square by landlord, the ACC, and the market moved to an area along the Maitai River near the Trafalgar Centre.
Customer numbers dropped because the venue too far from the CBD, Clark said.
So after 11 months, the market moved to Kirby Lane in the city centre.
Over time, however, the landlord’s vision for the use of the lane changed, and the market was no longer a match, she said.
Cue the move to the market’s current, council-owned spot next to the library in 2021, where it was hoped the market would remain for the foreseeable future.
“The council’s been incredibly supportive”, Clark said.
“A lot of people come into the library … and then pop in here.
“It’s also really good being close to a supermarket, so if people come here and they’re looking for something and it’s not available from us, then they can go to the supermarket.”
The market, which started with around 32 stall-holders, currently had around 25 in summer.
Warren Ensbey of Enzbee Honey and Herbs was a stall-holder from the start.
“I love it here.
“It’s a good contact with the public, they can see me … and talk about the honey.
“How it’s made, whether it’s raw or not – they’re right into their ideas about healthy eating.”
Wendy Wilson helped set up the market 20 years ago.
“I just like to know where my food comes from.”
She had served on the market committee since.
“We’ve had our ups and downs but … we’re doing well.
“It’s just great that we’ve got to 20 years, it’s wonderful, and I hope we have another 20.”
* Celebrations continue at the market in November with demos and tastings from Bear Lion Foods at noon on Nov 12, and Natural Nosh at noon on Nov 19, and a three-course alfresco lunch showcasing market ingredients – tickets $48, available at the market or managernelsonfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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