2000

Buy it from farmers' markets
25 August 2000

Farmers' markets and other local food schemes could boost the rural economy and offer a lifeline for struggling farmers, if they get the right support, claims a new report from Friends of the Earth. The report includes data from the US where farmers' markets are already a big success story and new evidence from markets around the UK.

Farmers' markets can offer a lifeline to small farmers - by cutting out the 'middleman' farmers can get better prices; ensure more money is spent in the local economy; are popular with consumers who get fresh, healthy produce and ensure that food travels less far from farm gate to plate with corresponding environmental benefits.

In the US annual sales from farmers' markets are over US$1 billion. Already in the UK annual turnover is around 65 million. The report also shows that farmers' markets benefit town centres - in Winchester, Hampshire, all local stores reported major increases in takings while the farmers markets were on.

Though Friends of the Earth has welcomed the Government's backing for farmers' markets in the new Rural Enterprise Scheme - which will target EU funding to rural development measures, the organisation thinks that Regional Development Agencies and local authorities must take more positive action to support the growth of farmers' markets if they are ever to fulfil their potential in the UK.

The report calls on:

Government to follow its positive statements about farmers markets with further action including start up grants for markets in poorer areas.
Regional Development Agencies to recognise the benefits of a strong local food economy in their regeneration strategies, and to establish regional networks of farmers markets and give them financial support in the early stages.
Local Authorities to support farmers markets by being more positive about planning applications for new markets, liaising with existing traders and helping with publicity and promotion.

"Farmers markets are good for farmers, consumers and the environment. The Government has made lots of positive statements about farmers markets which we want to see backed up with action," said Friends of the Earth Research Officer, Simon Bullock, author of the report. "We hope that this report will also convince local authorities and the Regional Development Agencies of the multiple benefits of farmers markets so that they will all do more to support them."

A copy of the full report is also available at:

http://srvwebcms1/resource/briefings/farmers_markets.pdf