After the success of the monthly markets that started last year, mostly hosted on the private lands of people interested in promoting the organic movement, a new more permanent eco-market was launched in the village of Alpedrinha on Sunday, February 11th, 10am – 1pm.
The group behind the organisation of the market are newly formed association BioEco. The mission of BioEco is to promote organic agriculture – both production and consumption. The association has several working groups, and the group in charge of the markets is working closely with the village of Alpedrinha.
The location of the market was in the center of the village, next to the Tourism Point – so perfect for people to pass by and check it out. Some of the villagers popped into the market after mass!!!
It was a great success, both in terms of the numbers of vendors and folks who came to buy their local products.
Not only veggies were for sale, also juices, jams, natural cosmetics, herbal teas and soaps, essential oils and much more….
The markets play an important function, not only economically, but socially too. The animation of music and face-painting on the eve of Carnival brought a real sense of celebration to the gathering.
Eric brought a stall with Mount of Oaks products and really enjoyed the experience and sense of community with the other vendors and chatting in Portuguese, English and German!
One of the broad aims of the monthly markets is to promote the growing of more organic produce in the locality – when farmers see that there is a genuine market for their produce the are more likely to plant!
Linda, who is a member of the association, and passionate seed saver and heritage seed propagator did a great job of sharing seeds from her collection.
BioEco were also promoting an action the following Sunday, sowing seeds on the burnt areas of the mountain – to provide food for the animals. (See the next blog for an update of how that went!)
The NEXT market is Sunday 11th March – if you are anywhere in the region – feel free to pop along from 10am – 1pm. But remember, bring your own shopping bags!
