FARMERS markets are being planned for four local towns – with the first in Coleford next month – in a bid to spearhead an economic revival following the grim months of foot and mouth.
Fresh local produce will be the order of the day and following hot on the heels of the Coleford venture markets will spring up in Lydney, Cinderford and Newent, says Alison Childs, who organised last year's Forest Food Festival with her friend, Coleford town clerk Sue Pritchard.
Already as many as 15 producers are keen to be in on the first Coleford venture, said Alison, and bids were being prepared for funding to buy stalls and other equipment.
"Farmers' markets are all about local producers selling local produce to local people," she said.
"The emphasis will be on quality food – but not necessarily all organic, which many cannot afford."
The markets were being signed up with the National Association of Farmers Markets, which has a Gloucester Federation.
All stallholders would be accredited by the Federation which had strict controls on quality and value.
The atmosphere would be enhanced with street entertainers and the emphasis would be on making a market visit and enjoyable experience.
Following the opening of Coleford's farmers' market Alison is organising a Forest Showcase of local foods, crafts and manufactured goods at Speech House on October 28. Some 30 stalls were already booked for the event.
"Local people have been hit pretty hard by foot and mouth and this is our way of showing off what the Forest can provide – we're saying come along and see just what we do," said Alison.
"People will be able to sample a wide range of food and drink – we even have a Welsh whiskey to try out, so there should be plenty of sampling going on there!"