TWO "Pop-Up Earth Markets" positioned to boost local producers are opening in cities of Silay and Bacolod in Negros Occidental this month.

A project of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island, the "Earth Markets" is one of the highlights of the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Festival 2020-2021.

In Silay City, the Earth Markets will be held at the Casa A. Gamboa from March 20 to 21.

The event in Bacolod City will be at the Kadiwa Market at May's Organic Garden in Barangay Pahanocoy from March 27 to 28.

"Earth Markets" is an international network of markets that work in accordance with the principles of "slow food."

The Slow Food Community of Negros Island commits to promoting and preserving the traditional food of Negros Island.

Its president Doreen "Reena" Gamboa, in a statement, said they will showcase produce and products of organic farmers and fishermen from all over the province.

The markets, she said, will bring the producers to the consumers in order to create a shorter supply chain.

There will be cooking demonstrations of recipes from the best-selling "Negrense Heritage Cooking" book.

"Also, there will be talks about agro-ecological farming, organic farming, sustainable fisheries, and Ark of Taste like adlai, cacao, tinigib corn and coffee, among others," Gamboa added.

Ramon "Chinchin" Uy Jr., member of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island, said the main focus of the "Earth Markets" is the small producers and food craftsmen.

"They sell only what they produce and they can personally guarantee the quality of their products," the organic and slowfood advocate said.

Customers visiting the "Earth Market" stalls can expect "good, clean and fair food" as the produce and products are "local, fresh and seasonal," he added.

"This is because we respect the environment and the work of the producers. The produce are offered at fair prices, for those who buy and for those who sell," Uy stressed.

He added that "Earth Markets" are not only places to buy high quality products, but are also spaces to build communities, create exchange and cultivate education.

The organizers, meanwhile, have assured the public that the activities will observe health protocols against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

These include observing required physical distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield, checking of body temperature, using of contract tracing system, and washing of hands. (EPN)