Download - Made In Jamaica Catalogue

eat jamaican, buy jamaican
MARKET DAYS – THE JAMAICA OUTDOOR MARKET CIRCUIT
by Leisha Wong
Around the world, market days are exploding in urban cities
with farmer’s, vintage, flea, art, and craft market. While recently
trendy overseas, markets in Jamaica have had a strong presence
throughout history. From time immemorial, they have enabled
farmers to live off the rich bounty of the island, and served as
hubs for the community to gather and share news.
Today, this concept of the outdoor market has remained much
the same. Farmer’s markets are now a frequent weekly occurrence,
and offer the perfect setting for buyers to get fresh produce
directly from the farmers.
With Kingston’s Coronation Market as the “Mecca” of fresh markets,
a host of farmer’s markets have sprung up across the
island.
www.jamaicacatalogue.com
In the growing response for fresh, affordable produce, the government
re-launched the “Eat Jamaican” campaign, in March
2011, to promote local production, local buying, and local eating.
The campaign included island-wide roadshows in support of
farmers, retailers, agri-processors and distributors.
“Ben Dung” (Bend Down) Market in Falmouth is another weekly
market staple. Here, vendors come from across the island to sell
their wares every Wednesday. Fueled by its success and popularity,
there is a proposal to relocate to a significantly larger area
with a transportation depot.
However, although farmer’s markets are most popular, they are
only part of a vibrant local market scene that includes craft, art,
and holiday markets.
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