March 2, 2001 9:58: FARMERS are adamant that they will go ahead with Marlow's first Farmers and Food Market, despite growing fears surrounding the foot and mouth crisis.

The crisis has caused panic in farms as the virus spreads around the country. Farmers' markets are already being cancelled in neighbouring areas such as Reading.

But Marlow's market organisers are still optimistic about the event going ahead on May 2.

Sally Philp, of Town Farm in Bisham, spokesman for the Marlow Farmers and Food Market Committee, said: "It's impossible to foretell what will be happening with the disease in May and so we are assuming that the Government will have done something about it by then."

A total of 20 stalls will be set up at The Causeway, Marlow, with back-up stalls organised if local restrictions on the slaughter of pork, beef, lamb and venison are still in place.

The market offers an opportunity for all local food producers to sell their fresh produce directly to the public.

Mrs Philp said: "It's great for breaking down barriers between producers and buyers. Supermarket food labels leave a huge gap when it comes to information."

Besides the traditional meat stalls, ostrich and chicken will also be offered, with the market attracting a variety of other home-produced food, including parmesan cheese and, hopefully, local pasta.