Finding a farmers market

Who benefits?

• The farmers and producers gain valuable feedback from their customers about what they want. Financially, it cuts out the middleman, keeps travel and packaging costs to a minimum and provides a valuable regular source of income, especially for smaller producers.
• The public: is able to buy food at its freshest – some fruit and veg, for example, may have been picked that morning or the night before. Prices are generally competitive. We can ask questions and learn about our food (how it is grown, stored, cooked), try different varieties and get to know the producers. And hey, it makes shopping more fun, friendly and sociable…
• The community: experience shows that farmers’ markets can inject life back into under-used urban centres. It encourages us to understand and support local businesses.
• The environment: local markets cut down on food miles and pollution, and reduce the need for packaging. They support biodiversity by encouraging the buying and selling of different varieties. They support environmentally-friendly farming practices such as organic and pesticide-free crops.

To find a member of the National Association of farmers’ markets near you, visit their website at www.farmersmarkets.net or send an SAE to the National Association of Farmers’ Markets, South Vaults, Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB.