Windsor Farmers’ Market, which got the ‘thumbs-up’ from local shoppers in March, will be open for business again on Saturday 2 April in St. Leonard’s Road from 9am to 1pm.

“ Shoppers were very appreciative of the market last month,” says Diane Harker, from Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative. “ Typical comments we received were: ‘Hooray! Have been waiting for years for this Farmers’ Market.  Great.’  ‘At last! Always want to support local farmers/producers – good to buy in-season produce.’  ‘Lovely to buy local produce and to walk in so easily.’” 

It seems that many Windsor residents want to do their bit to save the planet by walking or cycling to the market, as recommended by Professor Jules Pretty of the University of Essex in a recent analysis of environmental costs of food in the UK.

According to Prof Pretty writing in the journal Food Policy, local food is usually more ‘green’ than organic. Each year 1.58 billion tonnes of food is transported around the country by road, much of it shuttled between distribution hubs and processing plants. Moving food long distances can cause more harm than non-organic farming methods.

“ Produce at Windsor Farmers’ Market has made just the one journey from the farm, dairy or bakery to St Leonard’s Rd, usually in a small van,” said Diane Harker.   “ What’s more, shortening the food chain means customers have direct contact with the producers and can ask them about production methods.”

The street market between Trinity Yard and Temple Road is likely to attract hundreds of shoppers all keen to buy locally-produced bread and pies, vegetables, meat and preserves. Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative organises the market on behalf of Windsor and Eton Town Partnership.

St. Leonard’s Road between Trinity Yard and Grove Road will be shut to traffic during the market, and diversions will be signed.

Further information:

Diane Harker, Maidenhead Farmers’ Market organiser on 01628 670272