A wee bit of help with the every increasing cost of living in the Cayman Islands is on its way on Grand Cayman.
Plans have been announced to put a regular farmer’s market at the Stacy Watler Agricultural Pavilion in Slower Valley in August.
The announcement is welcome news, not only to consumers, but also to farmers, cooks and craftsmen.
On offer at the Marketplace at the Grounds will be fresh produce, dairy, eggs, seafood, processed foods like jams, jellies and sauces and crafts made from Cayman-produced materials.
Buyers could also find plants and local food at the market.
We think we can safely assume that the goods sold at the market will cost less than those shipped in and sold at area retailers.
Prices are kept low because farmers and others pitching their wares will sell their goods directly to the consumer, leaving out the middle man.
A farmer’s market benefits the grower, consumer and the community by providing a niche market that meets everyone’s needs.
But the Marketplace at the Grounds will be more than just a place to buy local food, plants and crafts.
It can also be used as a tourism tool.
Most people who travel to other countries are interested in the foods, plants and crafts that are unique to that country.
The Marketplace will be a perfect place for our visitors to learn more about us.
While they may not be able to take home a basket of mangos or a couple of breadfruit, they can buy them and eat them here. They will also be able to purchase and take home with them processed food from the farms in the Cayman Islands.
We hope that cooking and crafting demonstrations would also be on display at the Marketplace, which could be an educational tool not only for our visitors, but for those new to our country and to our own students.
While the Marketplace has been announced, it is still in the planning stages and those who are charged with getting it up and started want public input.
There will be a meeting at the Stacy Watler Agricultural Pavilion at 7pm Monday for anyone interested in becoming part of the market.
Those who have pre-meeting questions can call Brian Crichlow at the Ag Department on 947-3090.
We welcome a farmer’s market on Grand Cayman and encourage everyone to take advantage of Marketplace once it becomes a reality.
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