
In attempt to the revive the Wismar Market to the vibrant business complex it once was, the Agriculture Department of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10 hosted a ‘Farmer’s Market Day’ on Friday at the Wismar Market Tarmac.
The initiative which is fully sponsored by the RDC was held under the theme, “Grow local buy local consume local,” and gives entrepreneurs from across Region 10 the opportunity to display, promote and sell their products.
According to Derek Collins, the Regional Agriculture Officer for Region 10, the initiative began in 2019, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it came to a halt last year.
Nevertheless, with COVID-19 protocols in place, the Agriculture Department was able to resume its monthly Farmer’s Market Day today.
According to Collins, today’s event had some 40 entrepreneur registered to participate.
He noted that while the activity gives participants the opportunity to sell without competition from retailers, it also aids in increasing the publicity of the Wismar Market, a once busy market that is now usually neglected by many.
“The Wismar Market in History is a pivotal and very important place where business once took place in Linden. On the Mackenzie shore we have a problem with the retailers competing. If we want to have a safe space to sell produce, we do not want anyone vending in competition with the producers and so this is a way to increase production and increase publicity of the Market,” Collin noted.
Present at the event was the Vice Chairman of Region 10, Douglas Gittens who said that it is a start of something great. He added that he hopes to see the event become a weekly one.
Meanwhile, Ruth Esbrand, Owner of ‘Esbee’s’ which is an organic beauty supply business applauded the initiative and added that she will continue being a faithful supporter of it.
Another entrepreneur at the event was Doreen Rambharrat who has been a farmer for over 20 years. The second timer at the event stated, “it is a wonderful event, I love the togetherness and the exposure. It is a good initiative.”