Customers should get more opportunity to buy direct from farmers, the Green Party urged at the launch of its "Buy Local" Christmas campaign today.
Party leader Mr Trevor Sargent, said the Government should revise the 1995 Casual Trading Act to encourage the growth of farmers markets across the country.
Mr Sargent said 264 towns should have their market rights restored to boost farm incomes and he referred to a recent report indicating farm-gate prices are not contributing to food price inflation.
The activities of supermarket chains has led to the percentage of retail price paid to farmers fall from 50 per cent in 1950 to 11 per cent in some cases today, Mr Sargent said.
The Green Party declared their Christmas motto to be: "Buy Local and build strong communities with strong local economies."
Party deputy leader Ms Mary White said towns which runs farmers' markets see an increase in trade for other businesses which helps boost local incomes.