TASTE OF BAHRAIN EXCITES

Local fresh produce from Bahrain's farms is set to steal the show at the first traditional Farmers' Market ever to be staged during the kingdom's popular annual international garden show.

Home-grown vegetables and fruits, date syrup, honey, dairy products, flowers, turf and plants will be on sale alongside traditional local craft items.

Organised as part of the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS 09), the Farmers' Market will be open from April 17 to 19 at the main hallway of the Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a traditional cup of coffee and tea on stalls close to displays of tasty Bahraini roqaq bread and dairy products such as yoghurt, milk, laban and labnah.

Show organisers believe the introduction of the Farmers' Market into the show's activities will provide a platform to this important section of Bahrain's society.

Richard Browning, CEO of title sponsor Riffa Views, said: 'We want to leave a legacy in Bahrain ... a positive footprint in the shape of a sustainable and valuable contribution to the kingdom and its development.

'For this year's RVBIGS, we have selected the area of local agricultural expertise as we believe the local farmers' community occupies a significant place in the country's heritage.

'Our Farmers' Market will not only include the farmers but also a wide range of other members of the local community, all displaying their very traditional skills and products alongside the farmers.'

BAHRAIN'S horticulturalists are full of enthusiasm and eagerness as they prepare for the forthcoming Farmers' Market that will be open from April 17 to 19 at the main hallway of the Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organisers are working overtime to bring alive a real sense of the old-style Bahraini bazaar with old doors and windows, vibrant colours and aromas and an offer of fresh locally cultivated organic goodies for every visitor.

The market is an attempt to highlight the contribution of local agriculturalists and craftsmen and celebrate their role in society.

There will be six stalls that will showcase seasonal produce of vegetables and fruits, a florist, a turf seller, traditionally produced date syrup and a beekeeper with locally produced honey. These will be alongside basket and carpet weavers, a tapestry maker and a palm fond craftsman. A traditional coffee shop will have on offer traditional tea and coffee, yoghurt and roqaq bread.

Many of the exhibitors are taking part in a show of this nature for the first time.

Ibrahim Mansoor, 49, who supplies turf to municipalities, roundabouts, highways, corniches and villas said he was excited to receive the invitation to take part from Shaikha Sabeeka, the wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women.

'It is an excellent opportunity to explain to people in Bahrain that we don't need to import grass,' he said. 'It can grow here!'

Florist Faisal Jaffar Alawi, 55, added that this opportunity will provide a 'breath of fresh air' for his business.

The RVBIGS 09 has been organised under the patronage of King Hamad and under the support of Shaikha Sabeeka.

The show is open from April 17 to 19 between 10am and 9pm and single tickets cost just 500 fils for all three days.