Local produce under spotlight | Rural

Farmers Markets are a growing phenomenon in New Zealand in more ways than one.

Now there are at least 50 weekend and twilight markets throughout the country with several already well established in the Western Bay of Plenty and what is probably the country's newest launched this month in Te Awamutu.

Just how good the markets and their participants' are is to be put under scrutiny with the inaugural Taste Farmers' Market Awards 2011 to find the finest in each category of fresh, local, authentic food that is value for money.

"Farmers' Markets are growing in popularity as many people now rely on using regional produce. They want to know what is in their food and how it's grown,"chairman of the Farmers' Market New Zealand Association, Chris Fortune, said

"Taste magazine has come on board as the main partner of the awards. It was natural for us to want to champion these awards. Farmers' Markets offer the best of seasonal produce and bring producers, consumers and communities together.

Taste regularly features food heroes who are committed to providing top-quality New Zealand food for all of us to enjoy," said Taste Magazine editor, Suzanne Dale.

Taste magazine is a monthly food magazine for New Zealanders who love to cook.

Every issue is packed with recipes and food ideas that are fresh, seasonal and easy to follow.

Categories to be judged:

Honest to Goodness Farmers' Market of the Year Award 2011, as voted by consumers:

• Regional Farmers' Market Area of New Zealand
  * Tastiest Food Producer from the Dairy
  * Tastiest Food Producer from the Paddock
  * Freshest Producer from the Sea
  * Best Food Producer from the Kitchen Bench
  * Supreme Farmers' Market Photo or Video
  * Farmers' Market Manager of the Year as voted by stallholders
  * Golden Hoe Award - Best Speaker or Presentation on Farmers' Markets
  * Hungriest Media Localvore

Entries open in March next year, with the winners announced in July 2011. For more information on the awards and how to enter, visit

www.marketground.co.nz/tastefmnzawards.

Farmers' Market New Zealand Association represents 50 Farmers' Markets nationwide and aims to spread passion for local, fresh, seasonal food by educating consumers and fostering the sharing of knowledge and information between New Zealand food producers.