Saturday’s Farmers Market Transylvania is promoting short food supply chains.
Sibiu’s inhabitants traditionally procure their fresh food, especially vegetables, fruits, and cheese from public farmers market. Usually the consumers establish in this frame a personal relationship with the producers. The tradition goes back to the historical role of Sibiu as a customs area and a marketplace between two provinces at the end of the Olt corridor of the South Carpathians, a major commercial route between East and West, South and North. Several public markets are opened throughout communities of Sibiu, but mainly in the cities.
In 2012 Sibiu County Council inaugurated the Saturday’s Farmers Market Transylvania on the premises of the Sports Hall Transylvania, owned by the Council and located within walking distance of the Hippodrome district the largest in Sibiu. It takes place weekly all year long and it includes 180 producers that are selected based on criteria that prioritize local sources. Sibiu County Council organizes it and ensures rules compliance through check-visits at production places in the countryside. Besides food, local handcrafts and artisans are present every week. Compared to other public markets, the premises and infrastructure of the Saturday’s Farmers Market Transylvania are provided free of charge, supporting this way the local start-ups and SMEs, and promoting short supply chains for Sibiu county residents.
Resources needed
33.683 EUR initial investment from budget of the Sibiu County Council , 2 employees responsible for organizing the market every Saturday.
Evidence of success
Number of producers: 2012 – 47, 2019 – 185
Estimated number of visitors: 2012 – 3.000, 2019 – 5.000 / daily
Sales volumes: on average EUR 238/producer
Difficulties encountered
The consumer community appreciates mostly quality control and showing the correct origin of the products. Therefore, ensuring this aspect is highly demanding both in personnel as well as in other resources. We can mention also complicated logistics and weather-related big efforts.
Potential for learning or transfer
There are key success factors which show a good potential for learning for other member regions:
1. The farmers’ markets are meant for the locals but became during the years a tourist attraction as well.
2. The farmers’ markets are functioning according to long term verified regulations and rules which promote local producers.
Tags: Administration, Agriculture, Farming, Food, Health, Local, Market, Rural, SME, Tourism, Urban
