An innovative project designed to promote and develop farmers' markets across West Cornwall has appointed a development officer to run the pilot scheme.

The West Cornwall Farmers' Market Consortium Project directly targets support to farming families throughout West Cornwall. It is being run to increase small producers' ability to sell food directly to local people.

Victoria Amran has been appointed to oversee the scheme and work with farmers' markets established in the former Kerrier and Penwith District Council areas. The idea for the scheme came directly from farmers and produce markets working in partnership to grow small food based businesses by developing farmers' markets in the area.

"This is such an exciting project. It's a great opportunity for West Cornwall to have some of the best farmers' markets in the country." said Victoria, who grew up on a dairy farm at Breage, near Helston.

"Our growing appetite for healthy local food could shape a future less dependent on large supermarkets and focus attention on the quality food grown nearer to home. At a time of concerns about food security, climate change and faltering economics we should support our local producers and buy the fresh seasonal food which is so readily available."