Rapid development has led to parking problems at Hoedspruit Farmers Market

The market was established in 2013 by Sarah Dawn Bergs of the Hoedspruit Chamber/Sakekamer. In 2014, Tansy McLean took over the reigns until 2019, when Kruger 2 Canyons (K2C) Biosphere started organising the event.

Initially, it was established as a platform for small-scale farmers and village crafters to sell their produce as well as a place to engage with the Hoedspruit community about conservation projects in the area.

According to Lauren Booth of K2C, the market was hosted at the Bosveld Village for many years, however in late 2022 the decision was taken to move it to The Farm House, Zandspruit. “This facilitated the growth of the market and for logistical reasons, proximity to the K2C offices in the administration of the market,” she said.

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According to her, the area surrounding The Farm House on Zandspruit Boulevard, consists of trees, gardens and a variety of spaces that give the Hoedspruit Farmers Market a wonderful atmosphere, as well as meet the practical needs of power supply, ablution facilities, safe access and parking. The market now hosts between 85 and 110 stalls each month.

“The landowners and tenants have been very supportive of the market, enabling it to thrive. “However, rapid development in the estate and the market, has had the effect of open space that in the past was used by the farmers market, being occupied and parking has become problematic,” she said.

She said park and walk is a commonality at markets worldwide and the Hoedspruit Farmers Market. “There is always a space to park if you are prepared to walk,” she said.

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“They are however looking at solutions for designated vendor parking areas to open up more space for shoppers to park close to the action, and plan to implement this at the next market on September 7. “In addition to this, K2C has other ideas for the long-term development of the Hoedspruit Farmers Market that are still in the conceptual phase.

“These require more certainty regarding the surrounding spaces before we can implement, but we are having discussions with relevant parties in the interim. “When the construction of the boutique hotel development is complete, then The Farm House block will be finalised, which will lend more consistency to the space.

“However, as long as there are supportive landowners, we are confident that the farmers market will continue to thrive as a space that locals and visitors to the area can enjoy a Lowveld community event, with locally grown and made products.” concluded Booth.