Strabane's Economic Development Officer, Geraldine Stafford says the introduction of the monthly in the town has increased the customer base for town centre shops.

She was speaking as the market celebrates its second anniversary after being set up at its Canal Basin site by the local Farmers' Forum.

Ms Stafford said the Strabane Farmers' Market has been a welcome monthly event in Strabane District. Weather permitting; it has created a 'continental' atmosphere in the area with outdoor covered seating, crepes and coffees. Weather not permitting; the s' Market still has its core customers who appreciate the 'difference' in the fresh products available monthly.

"Indeed," she added "The Strabane Farmers' Market has created a much-need rural income for farmers and rural crafts and has lead the way for other markets throughout the North West. It has also created a unique shopping experience for its customers in Strabane and East Donegal, and I'm told increases the customer base for Strabane Town Centre Shops. This is a win: win scenario for all concerned.

She concluded: "May I offer my congratulations to the Farmers' Forum for taking this initiative forward successfully and wish the Market a happy second birthday. Long may it last!"

One of the success stories for the market has been farmer's wife, Jacqueline Browne.

She began selling home made chocolates on her stall as well as crepes and a welcome cup or tea or coffee.

She began making her chocolates in her farmhouse kitchen but the interest in her products has been such that she has now set herself up in a small chocolate making business in one the farm buildings which was renovated to suit her needs.

"I never dreamed it could take off in this way," said Jacqueline, who has the backing of husband Jason, daughter Lekita and all the family circle.

In November 2005 she gave birth to a daughter Haysel and she believes when her family is much older she would like to turn her enterprise into a full time business.

Jacqueline began her interest in chocolate making two years ago on the birth of her daughter Jessica. "You get a feeling of self satisfaction producing something with your own hands and obviously it's great when people like what you make."

It has certainly been an eventful past year for her being interviewed on radio about her chocolate marking and also in the newspapers. Then in November she gave birth to a daughter, Haysel.

"Valentine's Day and Mother's Day were very busy and I'm getting more and more requests for sweets for weddings and special events and recently she had supplied after dinner sweets for a golf club event at which the main guest was Daniel O'Donnell.".

She believes the market is also a social occasion where people can gather and meet other people they haven't seen for a while.

"The craic can be good on market day," she said.

Tyrone farmer, William Moore from Ardstraw was also one of the first stallholders at the market. He believes diversification in farming is the best way forward. He has been growing 20 acres of potatoes to add income to the 300-ewe flock and 60 beef cattle. He's finding the monthly market an additional valuable outlet for his produce. A man with green fingers he also started growing a half-acre of vegetables.

"This started as a way to add value to the potato business. I could deliver them and increase overall sales.

"People love buying their produce fresh. In the past if I had surplus potatoes I used to sell them to wholesalers for next to nothing. Now with the market I can see an option for growing even more produce. Selling through the markets allows me to keep the margins that shops and supermarkets would normally take so it's more profitable," he added.

As well as the market he has a number of shops throughout the district selling his produce.

"Trade has been fairly good and I've been building up a customer base," he said.

Market co-ordinator, Jim McLaughlin said the 22 stallholders at the market offered direct access to consumers and assisted the development of local and regional speciality foods.

"The focus of the market is fourfold- to provide another income stream for

small producers, to provide the people with fresh produce based on the concept of fair trade, to provide space for the local community to come together and to stimulate economic and social renewal. There are now than 100 such markets in operation throughout Ireland, reflecting the increased demand for fresh locally produced foods."

The Strabane market will be held this Saturday, May 26 from 10am until 2pm