Farmers Markets
During the time I have been editing this website I have been asked many questions about farmers’ markets by both those who wish to buy from them and those who wish to sell, so I have decided to answer a few of those questions here.
I cannot be specific as many markets have there own rules and trading criteria.
A common factor to all farmers' markets is that they are friendly, sociable events where you can find great produce direct from the producer.
For the Consumer
Most farmers' markets are open not just to farmers, but also to small food producers to sell their produce to local people.
Usually the stallholder must have grown, bred, gathered, caught, pickled, brewed or baked the goods themselves and major ingredients in prepared goods must be regionally sourced.
Usually the produce or products sold must come from within a locally defined area, often between 25-30 miles.
Which means it has not travelled too far, reducing the effect that "food miles" have on the products and the environment.
The produce will be fresh. some of it could even have been picked that day.
Often the stall must be attended by the main producer, or a representative directly involved in the production process.
By buying direct from a producer you can ask questions about growing or rearing methods, slaughtering procedures, cooking methods or anything else you want to know.
Some even offer fact sheets or recipes.
It many cases, with such goods as cheese or other products, you can take the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’.
The food is fresh, local, and seasonal and often the varieties of fruit and vegetables available are simply not offered elsewhere.
The cost could be less, as the producer should not have as many overheads in getting the produce to you.
There are no middleman, you will be buying direct.
It should be fresher than most retail outlets, it should also be much better value for money and will be tastier.
Strict rules are usually applied to any goods sold as ‘organic’, the producer must be certified by The Soil Association.
The sale of any genetically modified produce or products is usually prohibited.
Often there will be hot or fresh food on sale, so if you are feeling peckish, you can eat whilst you look around.
Not only will you be buying fresh, locally produced food but you will also be supporting the people who dedicatedly produce it!
For the Producer
Often farmers’ markets are operated by local councils or co-operatives.
If you wish to trade at a market, a good first step is to visit the market and talk to the organiser and stallholder's.
For a list of contacts visit either the Farmers' Markets section or National Association of Farmer’s Markets website.
Fees are sometimes based on sales, with a minimum set amount payable, at other markets there is a fixed fee, usually payable in cash.
Some markets insist on a one-off farm visit before you can begin to trade.
if they are certified by National Association of Farmer’s Markets then the rules and further information can be found on their website.
You often have to provide your own stalls, tables, canopies, and signs. Sometimes electricity is provided.
You must have public liability insurance.
If you sell alcohol, you must have an occasional off-licence.
All traders must comply with current trading standards and Environmental Health requirements.
Prices must be clearly displayed, either per item or per kilogram, litre, square metre or metre as appropriate.
The price can be displayed as a list at the stall or shown directly on the product.
The origin and nature of the goods should be clearly marked on all labelling.
Produce must have been grown, reared or processed on the stallholder's premises.
Bought-in produce for selling on is usually not allowed.
Many farmers' markets run an accreditation scheme, which means that every stallholder has been asked questions about the produce that they sell, how long their stock spends on the premises before it is sold and what local ingredients they use.
They also monitor what is being sold at the market and will follow up on any queries received from customers.
No middlemen or traders are usually allowed to sell at most farmers’ markets.
Benefits
- Often you can get higher prices - as the middle man is cut out
- They can offer vital extra income
- You get instant feedback from your customers. helping you to understand the needs of the consumer.
- They can create awareness for other services that you might have to offer e.g. box schemes, farm shops, farm gate sales, farm visits or ‘pick you own’.
- They might enable you to grow more traditional or unusual varieties of produce.
- You can introduce customers to as wide a range of your foods as possible and having samples to taste is a good way to get their attention.
- You do not need have to have sophisticated marketing or selling skills.
- They can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.
- They play an important role in educating the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
- They help to improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
- They increase awareness of farming, seasonality, etc
Further reading: How to succeed at a farmers' markets at the NFU Countryside website.
Further Information
National Association of Farmer’s Markets
Farm Retail Association
The Soil Association
NFU Online
The Food Standards Agency
The Countryside Agency
The Country Land and Business Association
Friends of The Earth
The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995
The Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995
The Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice: Market and Fairs Guide - ISBN-1-902423-00-3, available from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - (Telephone: 02078275882) and priced £3.60
Email: The Foody UK and Ireland
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