Farmers' Markets

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Local cheeses wrapped in greaseproof paper, a quirkily iced cake, chunky steaks free from cellophane and polystyrene, vegetables which actually look like they’ve come from the ground…

It might sound like the kind of shopping list that goes with one of your Granddad’s ‘good old days’ tales but thanks to the Farmers Market these are just the sort of things that should be lining the shelves of your (energy efficient) fridge.  Forget bulk buy, two-for-one, straight from the freezer mass-produced supermarket fayre, it’s now possible to buy local almost anywhere in the UK, which leaves the big chain stores feeble efforts at going organic looking rather lame.

Who sells at a Farmers’ Market?
Farmers’s Markets aren’t just for farmers, in fact local makers, brewers, smokers, fishmongers and producers in general are welcome.  However, they have to be just that – local, from a pre-defined area, selling local produce.

How do you know that it’s good stuff?
All Farmers’ Markets are independently assessed and certified by FARMA, the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association, who check that the food and drink sold is fresh, local and supporting the environment.

Does that mean it’s all organic?
Not necessarily, although a high percentage of produce sold at Farmers’ Markets is organic (the markets provide the perfect outlet for those unable to produce enough to satisfy supermarket demand).  However, because the produce is local you can rest assured that it hasn’t contributed to environmental damage in the way that both organic and non-organic supermarket goods from foreign climes have.

Isn’t it expensive?
Chances are that Farmers’ Market produce will be a little pricier than your usual supermarket goods, but the price really does reflect the quality and isn’t it worth paying a bit extra to know where that chicken came from?

Will I be able to do my weekly shop there then?
Unfortunately not, you won’t find a comprehensive range of food and drink at a Farmers’ Market and what you’ll be able to lay your hands on depends on who’s selling, what they’ve got to sell that week and what’s left after the early birds have beaten you to it.  But shop wisely and you’ll be eating locally produced, seasonal food with minimal environmental damage for much of the month. 

Are there any other advantages?
Other than better quality, fresher food on your plate?  Farmers’ Markets are a way to support local businesses, meet the very person who grew/reared/made the very things that you’re buying and try out new things that you might have passed over before.  You can also get advice on preparing and cooking the stuff too – well, who better to know what to do with a kohl rabi than the man who grew it?

So where's my local market then?
Check out www.farmersmarkets.net for your nearest.

Laura Heaps, MyVillage:, 20th July