Farmers’ markets turn yellow for bees that nourish the nation
It’s that time of year again when visitors to local farmers’ markets bring out their yellow and pay homage to the world’s busiest buzzing workers, bees.
The Bring Your Buzz campaign encourages people to wear yellow to their favourite farmers’ markets as part of the global celebrations for World Bee Day on Tuesday May 20.
The campaign will take place at farmers’ markets across Australia from Saturday, 17 May to Sunday, 25 May.
This year’s World Bee Day theme, announced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all and Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers says there is an obvious connection between the theme and farmers’ markets.
“This year’s theme highlights the wonderful link between the way bees nourish us in the foods that we eat and the landscapes we all enjoy,” Ms Chambers said. “Farmers’ markets play the ultimate role in nourishing us by providing fresh food straight from the paddock.”
The Bring Your Buzz campaign is an initiative of the Wheen Bee Foundation and the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association.
Australian Farmers’ Markets Association Chairperson Jane Adams said World Bee Day is a fun event on the calendar for all farmers’ markets and a time to celebrate bees.
“Bees are essential for the operation of our farmers’ markets,” Ms Adams said.
“Without bees, we couldn’t continue to nourish the community with fresh local produce.
“It’s not just about honey, it’s about all the fresh produce, the fruit and nuts, the vegetables, and even the fresh organic milk produced with cows that thrive on pollinator-dependent pastures. They all rely on bees in way that many people don’t recognise.“
The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association includes about 200 farmers’ markets that trade regularly across Australia, visit the AFMA website to find a local market.
Farmers’ markets can register their events for free online at the World Bee Day website.
To find your nearest farmers’ market visit www.farmersmarkets.org.au
Jane Adams
AFMA
E: info@farmersmarkets.org.au