AN EXCITING AND SIGNIFICANT LANDMARK IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA'S GARDEN ROUTE, this multiple award-winning WILD OATS Community Farmers' Market is located on the outskirts of the tiny coastal town of Sedgefield, (see map) adjacent to the beautiful Swartvlei lake-lagoon. Now in it's 15th year, this small, rustic but internationally famous farmers' market continues to attract the enthusiastic attention of proud locals and discernng travellers who consistently return for more of its festive fare. What this initiative has achieved is the blending of people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix where important educational experiences about local food sources, nutrition, environmental awareness and agricultual issues all blend into an unusual festive spirit of community.
EVERY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR (from 7:30-12 noon summer; 8:00-12 noon winter) COME RAIN OR SHINE, this authentic producers market is brimming with the choicest locally-produced foods, both the take-home and breakfast variety. Including free-range meats, chicken, lamb, dairy and cheese, the market also specializes in fresh-from-the-field veg, freshly baked and bottled goods, as well as a wide variety of fresh-off-the-coals breakfasts. The market also proudly offers the many plants and flowers of the unique Southern Cape Floral Kingdom, propogated by local plant specialists.
THE MARKETING EMPHASIS AT WILD OATS IS TO CONVERT ALL LOCALS, both the permanent variety and those just passing through,INTO PASSIONATE "LOCAVORES". That means Wild Oats calls special attention to the global need for developing local food security, local skills, local and seasonal food awareness and local community-mindfulness. Started in 1999 by Rose Brettell and Susan Garner, these two hard-working ladies believe truly authentic country markets offer a healthy community-building opportunity that stands in sharp contrast to the dominating "corporate shopping experiences" that disengage shoppers from their local context, from seasonal produce and from producers themselves. Fresh local foods and a beautiful country atmosphere inspire a deep pride in our local landscape and broaden a positive sense of a community-connected. Wild Oats is a fresh idea emerging from a long tradition of local markets and endeavours to encourage the art of free-range "locavore" shopping in the fresh outdoors.
AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE SEDGEFIELD ISLAND CONSERVANCY, the Wild Oats vision is now firmly focused on increasing responsible environmental awareness through educating customers how they can minimise their carbon-footprints... beginning by simply choosing to buy local (Garden Route Local, that is!).