Farmers markets are not a new idea, with markets in villages and towns a traditional way of selling and buying produce. In some countries of the world this has never really changed, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of farmers markets in the UK despite the prevalence of supermarkets.
The National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) certifies farmers markets in the UK ensuring that they adhere to strict criteria including that the produce must be from a defined local area and that the stallholder must have produced the products for sale. If you see the FARMA certification mark you are guaranteed that these criteria have been met.
The benefit to consumers of farmers markets is the fact that the produce is locally produced, thus reducing food miles and supporting the local economy, and that the produce is fresh and of a high quality. The types of products on offer can include fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products as well as prepared products such as chutneys and baked items. Some farmers markets may specialise in Organic Produce whilst others may contain a mixture of organic and non-organic products.
Farmers markets are sometimes a weekly, monthly or less regular occurrence, but most will be advertised within the local area. If you are not sure what is available in your area, there are a number of websites available containing directories of farmers markets.
