A project to set up a series of farmers' markets has received backing from the National Farmers' Union.

Thame town council wants to start a series of markets next year.

The scheme is already backed by South Oxfordshire District Council's Agenda 21 team, the Soil Association charity and researchers from Oxford Brookes University.

Tom Bewley, spokesman for the NFU's central region, said: "We cannot get involved with individual business plans by farmers - but we do support the principle of farmers' markets and welcome Thame's initiative.

"Anything that can get local people supporting local growers by buying local produce is to be welcomed."

The town council's Agenda 21 team was a result of the environmental initiative from the recent Rio Summit.

The team believes in thinking globally about the health of the planet but acting to help local farmers. The idea behind the farmers' markets is to cut out middlemen, use less packaging, use less fuel getting goods to factories and supermarkets, getting local farmers a good deal, and giving local people the chance to eat fresher, healthier food straight from the growers.

Mr Bewley said: "We certainly wish the venture well and hope local growers will take advantage of it."

The markets would have both organically grown and non-organic food for sale.

A workshop for anyone interested has been organised at the town hall between noon and 4.30pm on November 5.

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