The first farmers' market in 30 years was yesterday declared a resounding success by the Corporation of Hamilton.

Held at the Bull's Head Car Park in Hamilton on Saturday, organisers are hoping that the now weekly market will encourage locals to take up gardening to sell their produce.

Customers mingled among some one dozen stalls with farmers and gardeners Saturday morning to purchase from a selection of locally grown produce, including honey and preserves.

After an official 10 a.m. opening by Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp, most of the vendors were sold out an hour later, according to Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt.

"From now on the Farmer's Market will operate from 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings and will move inside the covered car park in bad weather so it will be there come rain or shine," Mr. Sherratt said in a press statement.

The idea for Bermuda's farmers' market came from Frances Eddy who was wondering what to do with the surplus organic vegetables she grew in her Warwick garden.

Her son, Jonas, is the market's coordinator.

"The Corporation of Hamilton strongly supports this new venture on several levels," said the Mayor in his opening remarks.

"The farmers' market will provide a venue for direct interaction between grower and buyer.

"It will encourage shoppers to come into the city on Saturdays and they can park their cars for free right here at Bull's Head car park all day on Saturdays.

"There is also the long term objective of the farmers market committee themselves, which is to encourage more people to take an interest in growing and/or making fresh produce, which, by the way, is not limited to fruits and vegetables, but also includes products such as honey, jams and jellies, seedlings, flowers, fruit trees and even fresh fish."