FARMERS MARKETS BUZZ FOR BEES

Farmers’ markets across Australia will turn yellow this May to celebrate the bees that make fresh food possible.

The Bring Your Buzz campaign invites market stallholders and shoppers to wear yellow and show their support for bees and the vital role they play in food production.

The campaign runs from Saturday 16 May to Sunday 24 May and is part of the global celebrations for World Bee Day on Wednesday 20 May.

CEO of the Wheen Bee Foundation Fiona Chambers said the campaign has become a cornerstone of World Bee Day in Australia, with farmers’ markets offering a clear connection between bees, growers and the food on Australians’ plates.

“Now in its sixth year, Bring Your Buzz continues to shine a spotlight on the bees behind Australia’s food,” Ms Chambers said.

“Each year, more markets come on board, reflecting a growing recognition that bees are essential to the food we grow, sell and eat every day.”

In Australia, more than 50 crops rely on insect pollination, including almonds, macadamias, avocados, apples, berries, vegetables and canola. The Bring Your Buzz campaign is an initiative of the Wheen Bee Foundation and the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association.

Spokesperson for the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association Jane Adams, said the campaign highlights the important role bees play in our food chain in an impacting colourful way.

“Expect eye-catching yellow at farmers’ markets nationally – stalls, clothing, banners and bee suits, and of course honey – highlighting the vital role bees play in growing our food supplied direct from farms to markets and dinner tables,” Ms Adams said.

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.
For more information visit worldbeeday.org.au and www.farmersmarkets.org.au