Farmers market offering more than a marketplace
The next market is on June 13 at Parys Info & Tourism, Breë Street, Parys
What started as a vision for community empowerment and local food security is beginning to take shape through the incredible support of local people, organisations, and businesses working together for meaningful impact, seen at the first Farmers Market held in town.
The market brought local farmers and producers – young and old, and residents together.
An incredible community-driven initiative with a shared vision of connection, sustainability, and
growth. This was also seen in the kids’ activity in the vegetable garden where beetroot, onions
and carrots were planted, thanks to the partnership with Parys Info & Tourism and sponsorship
of Parys Mica Paint & Hardware, Welkom Kafee, Ntsu Builders, and Ben Tec Mower.
More than a marketplace
The monthly Farmers Market at 85 Breë Street is an initiative of the Parys Agricultural Network (PAN) and is designed to create meaningful relationships between producers and the community.
Visitors have the opportunity to engage directly with farmers, learn how their food is grown,
and gain a deeper appreciation for the journey from soil to table.
The market is every second Saturday from 10:30-13:00, with the next market on June 13.
A platform for local farmers
At its core, the market exists to empower local producers by giving them direct access to customers, reducing barriers to entry, and creating a consistent platform for growth.
For many small-scale and emerging farmers, opportunities to showcase and sell their products can be limited — this initiative aims to change that.
she is doing and joined the farmers market on Saturday, selling rabbits. Photo: Liezl Scheepers
Jacques Mutevelian, Vision Lead from Breakthrough Land NPC, explains: “The farmers market is really the final piece of the puzzle in ensuring that local farmers have a sustainable opportunity to generate income
for themselves and their families.
Photo: Liezl Scheepers
The initiative also plays a vital role in strengthening local food security by encouraging local
production and consumption.
In addition, the network is exploring ways to support community-based projects with fresh produce, ensuring that vulnerable households can access nutritious food with dignity.
