If you've ever wanted to know where local food comes from, how it is grown, and ideas for cooking it, then visit one of the Farmers’ Markets held every month in Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
This is one of the best ways to meet the people who grow superb fruit and vegetables, make delicious cheese, bread and preserves, and produce tasty meat. They are always happy to have a chat about their products.

Farmers' Markets in and close to the North Wessex Downs

• Devizes: 1st Saturday every month 9am - 1.30pm in the Market Place
• Hungerford: 4th Sunday every month 9am - 1.30pm in the High Street
• Newbury: 1st and 3rd Sunday every month 9am - 1pm in the Market Place
• Pewsey: 2nd Thursday every month 9am - 1pm in the Bouverie Hall
• Purley-on-Thames: 2nd Saturday every month 8.30am - 12.30pm in the Black Barn at the recreation ground
• Shrivenham: 1st and 3rd Friday every month 3pm - 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall off the High Street. Also, 5th Friday in March, June, August and November.
• Swindon Canal Walk: 2nd Friday every month 9am - 1.30pm
• Swindon Old Town: last Friday every month 9am - 1.30pm
• Wallingford: third Tuesday every month 8.30am - 1.30pm in Market Place. Also on 5th Saturday in month.
• Wanborough: 3rd Saturday every month 9.30am - 12.30pm in the village High Street
• Wantage: last Sunday every month 9am - 1pm in the Market Place
• Wootton Bassett: 4th Saturday every month 9am - 1.30pm in the High Street

Here are just some of the reasons it is a good idea to shop at your local Farmers' Market:

• Fresher food: buy direct from the growers; fruit and vegetables harvested recently – often in the past 24 hours – means tasty, healthy food and there’s less waste too.
• Tastier food: “Mmm, that’s really good!” – food like it should taste!
• Healthy food: fresh, local produce can be healthier for you than fruit and vegetables that have been chilled before sitting on a supermarket shelf.
• More variety: traditional varieties of fruit and vegetables, world-class award-winning cheeses, and some producers specialise in rare breeds.
• Wide choice: you can choose from certified organic produce, conventionally grown, large-scale commercial farmers, and surplus from allotments.
• Meet the producers: get to know the people who produce our food, find out more about what we eat and drink and where it comes from.
• Support your local economy and protect the countryside too: the producers and growers you meet at the Farmers’ Market are doing their bit to maintain the glorious landscape and countryside of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
• Reduced packaging and waste: vegetables and fruit are often sold loose instead of pre-packed in plastic. Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-op bags can be used again and again, and make really useful gifts.
• Fewer food miles: most of the producers live within 50 miles of a Farmers’ Market and that means your food hasn’t travelled thousands of miles via packing and distribution warehouses to the supermarkets.
• Farmers’ Markets are sociable and fun! Most markets have seasonal and anniversary raffles and entertainments. Many of them have craft stalls too and a lively, friendly atmosphere.