What is the project ?
An operation encouraging direct sales by local farmers to consumers organised by the Vosges du Nord and Pfälzerwald Regional Parks since 1999.

By encouraging these markets, the Regional Parks intend promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is carefully planned to take all relevant parameters into account from encouraging economic development to protecting the environment, and to social issues such as creating and maintaining employment.

The markets aim at promoting authentic produce from a top quality farming area. These include home-made products and those from small-scale manufacturers, their production fully respecting the environment.

Where and when ?
On a Sunday four times a year in different municipalities in the Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve.

Who participates ?
More than 25 farmers and manufacturers chosen by the two Parks on the basis of five criteria:

- the quality of the produce or products offered for sale
- the place where these farmers and businesses are sited in the Biosphere Reserve
- the authenticity of the produce, products and skills involved
- strict craft criteria
- the farming and manufacturing processes must fully respect the local heritage

Customer survey :
84% of visitors polled were satisfied or extremely satisfied.

l The customer satisfaction level is high; the quality and presentation of the products and the welcome given by the farmers obtained the highest marks.

l For 75% of the public polled, the fact that the markets are organised by the Regional Parks is seen as a guarantee of quality.

The project is backed by the Alsace and Lorraine Regional Councils, the Rheinland-Pfalz State Parliament and the European Commission.
In addition, a specially designed monitoring program ensures that visitors to the market are completely satisfied.

Making apple juice, © SYCOPARC