Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets have become increasingly popular over the last decade in line with the increasing demand for quality, locally-produced food. In character they are a return to the markets stalls of markets of previous times, yet they are driven by current consumer demands.

There are two types of such markets; Certified Farmers’ Markets and Non-Certified Markets. The Certified Farmers markets are inspected by FARMA, the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association. Ideally all stallholders should be run by local food producers themselves whether they are the producer or the processor the resold items. FARMA established its inspection standards in 2002 to help identify and support the genuine local food producers and to provide a basis of confidence for the growing numbers of discerning consumers. Obviously, non-certified markets may not meet the standards required to achieve the requirements needed to be awarded FARMA accreditation.

Farmers markets tend to be held at regular established intervals thus allowing the food producers to be able to regularly visit a number of different markets across their local region.

if you haven’t visited a farmers’ market before, then why not be adventurous and visit one this week. You will find it fascinating to browse around the various stalls, inspect the wide range of produce… and chat to the food producers themselves to discover how their produce is made. And then take some mouth-watering produce home to find out in the best practical way just how excellent locally-produced food can actually taste!