Farmers’ Markets enable producers to sell directly to consumers, meaning that producers receive a much higher proportion of the selling price, and consumers get the chance to meet producers. As well as a direct channel to sell produce, markets can also showcase local entertainment and provide a forum for community groups. Farmers’ Markets can vary greatly in terms of size, range of produce and criteria.
Linlithgow has a monthly Farmers’ Market, on the fourth Saturday of the month, from 10am-2pm at the Vennel, organised by Forum Events, including beef, lamb, veg, cheese, crafts, hand-made soaps etc. Email: forumevents@yahoo.co.uk Contact: 07977 179 861 – Forum Events is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets
FARMA is the National Farmers’ Retail and Market Association and has strict guidelines for certified markets in the UK (in Scotland, only the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market apears to be a member, and is held every Saturday).
The Farm and More event will be held in Jan 2010 (in Shropshire) and is all about farm diversification – including a Transition Town speaker
In England, Country Markets are non-profit making co-operatives, originating with the Women’s Institute
Bath Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday, stalls cost £20, and the website includes contact details of producers
Wolverton Farmers’ Market is held fortnightly, and stalls include local allotment holders and a community orchard – the Urb farm is also being set up to help supply local produce
Sustainable Redland is a neighbourhood Transition initiative in Bristol running a fortnightly farmers’ market, with produce coming from within 50 miles