Visitors to the island of Fuerteventura may be interested in going along to a new monthly market that aims to promote the produce of local farmers. Alongside tourism, Fuerteventura's next commercial strength is its agriculture, with farmers using the island's clement weather to grow everything from wheat crops, to tomatoes, onions, garlic and even bananas. Much of this activity takes place away from the main tourist areas and unless people make a specific effort, this side of the island can easily be missed.

The new monthly "Biosphere" market is held at the Insular Bus Station, in Puerto del Rosario on the first Saturday of each month and is promoted by the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries.

In addition to the field crops, you can also purchase locally grown fruit plus cheeses, olives, eggs, spices and flowers. The only requirement for the stall holders is that the origin of the products and produce must be Fuerteventura and they must be selling directly. That is they must have grown or produced the products themselves.

Nothing tastes better than fresh fruit or vegetables that have not had to endure an extended journey before they are sold. Oranges and bananas taste sublime and the taste of tomatoes picked ripe from the vine is like nothing you typically experience when buying from the supermarket back home.

Be sure to plan a visit to "The Biosphere" market on your next trip to Fuerteventura .