Most of us do our food shopping at the supermarket but a growing number of foodies are embracing the local farmers market.
The Taste Farmers' Market Awards have been set up to help promote the forty Farmers' Markets around the country and encourage Kiwis to embrace buying their food fresh from the farm
Philippa Pitcher, Parnell Trust General Manager says that there's a growing need for farmers markets in the big cities.
"There's an increasing place for farmers' markets, especially in the cities where people don't have contact with the growers and the food direct from the paddocks."
Advocates of local farmers' markets point out that food from farmers markets is often cheaper and fresher as it comes directly from the farmers and growers.
Well known Christchurch chef Jonny Schwass says we should be eating local and choosing food that's in season.
"Produce needs to be in the ground or in your mouth."
Jonny runs a restaurant where the menu changes daily depending on what food is available and in season and he wants Kiwis to do the same.
And according to Jonny, your local farmers' market is the perfect place to source in-season ingredients.
"Go to the farmers' market with no preconceived idea of what to cook, just be guided by the market."
The Taste Farmers Market Award winners will be announced this Sunday.