Producers in Neath Port Talbot are calling on shoppers to support their local markets and retailers this Christmas.

From turkey and all the trimmings to festive favourites like mince pies and mulled wine, the complete Christmas is just on your doorstep.  There are a whole host of producers who sell locally through a network of Local Markets, Farm Shops, Craft Fairs, Delis and also Online.

Among the markets and craft fairs in Neath Port Talbot in the run up to Christmas are a Christmas Village in Port Talbot Civic Square on Saturday 12 from 9.30am; Christmas Markets on Saturday 12 from 10.30am at Cefn Coed Colliery Museum and Pontardawe Arts Centre on Monday 21 from 3pm.

This is in addition to Neath’s Victorian Indoor Market which is open from 9am Monday to Saturday all year round, and extends its opening times for the Christmas Season.

Research shows that shopping locally has a positive impact on the local economy and consumers’ pockets, as well as having environmental benefits by reducing food miles and encouraging seasonality. And of course there is the opportunity to buy ‘something different’ and pick up a bargain or two!

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said:

“Supporting home-grown business provides real, lasting economic benefits to the county borough and I would urge everyone to come along and support these markets by buying local this Christmas.”

Wales is home to a thriving network of Farmers Markets, which are full of tasty local produce and flavour surprises. There are more than 50 markets listed on the Farmers’ Markets in Wales website www.fmiw.co.uk

Rural Development teams across South East Wales and Neath Port Talbot, who are funded through the LEADER element of the Regional Development Programme, are working together to promote the uptake of local produce and support the local economy.

Assisting the groups is Cywain – a project created to bring added value to primary produce within the agriculture sector. The Farmers Union of Wales are also supporting the campaign and promoting their members locally produced goods.

“Local markets make a great change to the crowd-filled big stores and out of town retail parks. Shopping at a market is much less stressful, and a hugely enjoyable experience” says Cywain Development Manager, Rolant Tomos.

“You can’t beat the tastes, sights and smells of the food and drink on sale, and you know what you’re going to get is a really special quality artisan product.

“Importantly though, shoppers get the opportunity to interact with the producers, to ask questions and learn about the food and drink produced in their area.”

“When you buy locally this Christmas, the money stays locally. It helps the farmer maintain their farms, the stall holder develop their business and the producers to keep on producing their fantastic products. Try to buy one thing local this Christmas and you will make a difference.”