About RCMA

RCMA - Overall Aims

Our aim? - the best possible local food,sold directly by producers in in your neighbourhood, without it 'costing the earth'!! Creating friendly places to shop and meet in your local community.

As a social enterprise, RCMA aims to meet a wide range of food-related community and small-business needs in a direct and practical way, providing: small scale local producers with the opportunity to trade directly with the public; local people with access to affordable, fresh, produce sold direct by Welsh producers; a space in which new fresh food-related business ideas can be developed; and an attraction which draws new people into the area, contributing to local regeneration and helping to create a sense of local community.

History of the market

RCMA's farmers' markets have been around for a long time! We first launched Riverside Real Food Market in Despenser Gardens Park in November 1998, and have grown ‘organically’ as a social enterprise since then, as public interest in buying local food has grown. The social enterprise we set up to run the markets and our other activities, now operates three weekly farmers' markets in Roath, Rhiwbina and Riverside as well as our weekly vintage market on St. Mary Street. Click on the tags below to see which is nearest to you.

Local residents benefit from the activities of the markets, in terms of having access to affordable healthy food, and in terms of the positive attitude the markets foster towards the social and physical environment of the local community. There is often no other source of fresh local produce in the area, and economic or practical limits may prevent some residents from shopping elsewhere. Buying locally means you know your food will have the best posssible taste and freshness. At the same time, locally produced food reduces 'food miles' and unnecessary packaging, and so is good for the environment!

“We love shopping at the markets. We know we are getting the freshest and most cared for ingredients around!”

Our farmers' markets are part of a relatively new expansion in South Wales of markets which allow small producers to sell directly to consumers - making it possible for them to thrive. The markets can also act as 'shop windows' for producers who want to sell to the increasing number of restaurants and hotels who want to be able to offer local food on their menus. Market stallholders often get to know regular customers personally and can give the best advice on how to prepare their food - which is part of what makes a farmers' market such a friendly place to shop!

LEARN MORE ABOUT RCMA’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE HERE

VIEW THE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2009–2010

Fresh direct food = tasty food. Direct meat, veg and fruit is among the freshest you are likely to buy.

It can often be just as convenient as travelling to the supermarket. What could be more convenient then popping around the corner to your local farmers market? Why not buy your eggs at your nearest farm gate or farm shop.

Fresh, direct and local food doesn’t have to cost the earth. Recent research revealed that local markets can prove economically priced compared to supermarkets.

Making fair trade local fair trade. Cutting out the middle man allows producers increased financial returns.

Better for the environment. When buying direct and local, food miles are cut to a minimum which is good for the environment. Most produce is loose which means overall packaging is reduced significantly.

Variety – the spice of life. Farmers markets and farm shops have a reputation for offering a variety of produce. Where else can you buy bison or a wild boar burger.

Excellent customer service. Buying fresh, direct and local allows you to ask the producer questions. You can be sure of how it’s produced and where it comes from.

Investing in your community for the future. By directly supporting your local producers and farmers today you are helping to ensure the future producers and farmers in your community.

Environment and wildlife benefits. Well managed farms provide ecosystems as the farm environment is a patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds and buildings that provide habitat for wildlife in our communities.

Conserving a sense of community and tradition. The relaxed, community feel of farmers markets make them popular social occasions.