Farmers' MarketsFarmers' MarketsJune Small, an Individual Member from Somerset, asks the question -are Farmers' Markets just a fashionable trend which will pass, or are they a revival of an old British tradition which will become a fixture in many of our towns and cities?
There are many attractions of Farmers' Markets. The main one is the desire by many consumers to know where the food they are contemplating buying has been produced, and by what method, also how far it has travelled, one hopes only a few miles, on the way to market. Purchasers enjoy and value discussing the products with farmers who have produced them, learning about care taken in growing and producing and, perhaps, about the people themselves.
It is also a chance to shop in a different environment. Many Markets have entertainment , music, and refreshments and people can shop in an atmosphere of fun and leisure. There is the opportunity to try new foods - ostrich meat, buffalo cheese, sheep's' milk or cheese, russet apples and squashes. These are just a few examples. It is also an opportunity to ask questions - on animal welfare, the use of chemicals and other environmental concerns.
Farmers' Markets can enliven uninteresting parts of towns, occupying car parks, station forecourts, waste ground and even supermarket car parks.
For the growers and producers Farmers' Markets can be excellent public relations events, as well as an outlet for produce. Often new customers are gained once the market is over. Some older or disabled people do not have the opportunity to visit a farm shop or specialised food outlet, but Farmers' Markets bring them right into town. Producers can learn from the end customers, whom they do not normally meet, about preferences and local traditions.
City and Town Councils are for the most part supportive and enthusiastic and will even give money and time to help with advertising and the initial setting-up of a Farmers' Market.
Margaret Rowden of Bath Consumers' Group reports that there is a flourishing Farmers' Market in the city and that the Group has a seat on the management Board. She asks whether any other Groups or Individual Members have become involved in this movement which seems to be spreading nationwide? Is it worth while?
She makes the point that there have been difficulties in setting up Farmers' Markets in some places. Bath Group has a wealth of experience and a fund of information that could be useful and which they will gladly share.
Bath Group's secretary is Jenny Sutherland - Tel: 01225 420 693.
The negative side is when Councils want full say in what goes on and the local farmers and producers have little input.
Careless management is another problem and some Farmers' Markets have degenerated into just another car boot sale.
Successful markets have strong discipline, and sensible codes of conduct on trading. Food and hygiene rules must be obeyed and insurance is essential.
The public must feel secure in the knowledge that foodstuffs on offer are of a very high standard.
The answer to the original question - are Farmers' Markets just a fashionable trend which will pass, or are they a revival of an old British tradition which will become a fixture in many of our towns and cities? - depends on the continuing support of informed shoppers and the disciplinary regime created by Market Managers.
Farmers, growers and producers will support a well run market but will soon stop taking up stalls in ones that are less than satisfactory.
There is a trend which is not just based on fashion, which seems to indicate that more and more shoppers want to get closer to the actual producers of their food.
Farm shops partly answer that demand but have limited choice. Markets also answer the same demand but give a wide range of goods and plenty of choice. It is not clear yet whether they will become a fixture, but the omens are good.
Growers will support a well run market because it is another way towards surviving this present crisis in farming.
June Small
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