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The eighth edition of the Farmer’s Market, which started on December 14 at the Botanical Garden in Budaiya, is drawing larger crowds than ever before.
The Saturday market, which drew a record 25,000 people on its opening weekend is being organised by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in partnership with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD).
Under-secretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources Dr Nabeel Abu Al Fateh said: “This event has managed to draw large crowds from Bahrain and neighbouring countries. Such events help Bahraini farmers showcase their produce and come together in one place where thousands of people are attending. We have already visited the farms to ensure that all their items are grown locally.”
Thirty-eight farms, four farming companies, five florists, bee-keepers, restaurants and chefs are taking part in the event which will run for 19 weeks, until April 18.
The GulfWeekly visited the market last Saturday and spoke to some of the vendors and visitors.
Dr Eman Ateya from North Sehla, who was visiting with her family said: “The beautiful things about the farmers market is that it gives families a chance to get to meet local Bahraini traditional farmers and artisans, buy local fruits, vegetables and flowers and enjoy local cuisine. We come every year and this year it’s much more crowded!”
Amongst the beekeepers was Juma Hamada, whose bee farm located in Budaiya, the GulfWeekly had visited in August.
In addition to honey and honey cream, Juma was also selling hive supplies so people could maintain and start their own hives, in addition to various herbal homeopathic medicines derived from hives.
Jennifer Blitz, who moved from the US to Janabiyah a few months ago, said: “We have enjoyed all the sections, especially the food section. Our daughter loved the ponies last week. This is very different from the farmers’ market in the US. There’s lots more activities for the entire family!”
As in previous years, there is a separate section for food and dining, featuring breakfast options and providing a platform for local businesses, such as Go Green Granola and Perfectly Pressed to showcase their offerings.
Fatima Alawi from Go Green Granola, a home-made granola startup, said: “We have had a great response. We are a young company so to see families buying the granola breakfast cups is great and we are getting a lot of feedback to help us find other products, like granola bars that we can expand into!”
Saniya Abdulaal, co-founder of Perfectly Pressed said: “It’s always great meeting new and loyal customers at the Farmers’ Market. We have grown quickly in the two years we have been around and next year, we hope to expand to Saudi Arabia! But Bahrain is always home.”
The market also features sections dedicated to traditional crafts, artists and dining. Handicrafts such as metalworking, pottery, textile weaving, gypsum engraving and more are being showcased at the festival as well as henna painting.
The Budaiya Farmers Market starts at 8am.
For more details, follow them on Instagram @farmersbh
