West Yorkshire Organic Group 
Farmers Markets
Local produce for local people
Local economy
Research studies on local produce markets, both in the UK and USA, where they are common, are both encouraging and illuminating. They have found that successful markets can enhance the local economy by bringing in trade to other retailers (they are not seen as being in competition).
Small and medium sized growers gain access to consumers they would not normally; and consumers have access to a wide range of fresh food, often including a range of more unusual produce than that stocked in supermarkets.
With many ethnic groups represented in our area we hope we can encourage the production and sale of many of the vegetables and herbs grown locally by them that are rarely seen in most shops.
Benefits
Increasing consumer understanding of the sources of their food is another by-product. Local consumers can get to know local producers, building up a close relationship of trust and also building up consumer loyalty.
Another important issue is health. There are many people who cannot afford to buy good quality fresh fruit and vegetables and whose health suffers accordingly. A regular market selling high quality local food, will benefit them.
Two of our members running the groups stall at a local produce market.
NFU Farmers' Market
Business Survey
A Business Survey of farmers' markets organisers by the National
Farmers' Union for the National Association of Farmers' Markets
was published in May 2000 . The results show that farmers' markets
are a viable outlet for smaller food producers and make a significant
contribution to regeneration of rural and urban communities.
Here are some highlights of the survey:
* In little more than two years the number of farmers' markets
has risen from single figures to over 200 being held on a regular
basis in the UK.
* It is estimated that a total of 4,400 individual markets will
take place in Britain this year.
* The annual turnover of Farmers' Markets in the UK is about
£65 million. If the number of markets continues to grow
at the current rate it is estimated this could top £100
million by next spring.
* Seventy-five percent of respondents say the state of their
market is thriving.
* The vast majority of stall holders are smaller family food
producers, usually from within 40 miles of the market.
* It is estimated that there will be over 5.2 million visits
to Farmers' Markets in the next 12 months.
* Demand outstrips supply, with many stalls selling out of produce
early in the day.
* It is no surprise that 97% said that the main reason producers
attend Farmers' markets is to secure extra income.
* Other main benefits for producers are gaining feedback from
customers about their products, and to encourage them to visit
their home business.
* Farmers' markets bring in trade to other retailers in the locality.
For more information contact
NAFM tel: 01225 787914
These findings are reflected in our region, says Tim Coy, Group Secretary for South Pennine branch of the National Farmers' Union.
'There is acute awareness among producers of the need for new outlets. Local purchasing is very much on the cards and people want it. The social side is very important for farmers and their families who enjoy the opportunities to meet with other farmers. The Calderdale and Kirklees Food Futures Directory is being well used by farmers, people are going out looking for links. Word-of mouth is also a very effective form of marketing.'
'Feedback from the public is very useful for producers. Customers are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from. At Saddleworth farmers' market just over the boundary in Lancashire a lamb farmer's land is visible from the market so she can show the customers the lambs in the field. The range of produce is good and surprises customers, with traditional as well as novel local produce, for example ostrich meat.'
Tim Coy, South Pennine NFU
tel: 01484 664119
Since 1998
we have organised successful Local Produce Markets.
These have given local producers an opportunity to sell directly
to local people. High quality local fruit and vegetables, which
has not had to travel to a distant distribution centre and then
back again, thus losing freshness and quality and adding to cost,
has been on sale to local consumers. It also gives small scale
growers with a garden or allotment a chance to make a small profit
from selling their surplus.
We can hope that it will persuade a few more people to start
growing their own when they see what can be produced nearby.
We have therefore formed a separate organisation to deal exclusively with these Local Produce Markets.
Benefits to local economy
Money spent on locally-produced food generates almost twice as much income for the local economy as the same amount spent in a typical supermarket.
A study by Tim Boyde for the New Economics Foundatuion showed that the same amount is worth more with local schemes as it stays in the vicinity where its value increases as it is reinvested many times over.
see their web-site
The view is supported by the Richard Wakeford, Countryside Agency chief executive, explaining "People need to eat the view"
For news of Farmers Markets throughout the country, visit National Association of Farmers Markets
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