Farm Shop Direct

The new study was announced following the sixth local food sector tracking survey commissioned by the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA).

Farm shops and farmers’ markets are seeing their highest numbers of customers since FARMA began its annual tracking survey in 2004, with the number of households shopping at farmers’ markets and farm shops increasing by 30% by 32% respectively, since last year.

Both outlets remain the most popular places to buy local food while offering support to those who made it.

Pick-your-own farms are also showing their first increase in customer numbers after a four-year decline from 2004-2008. Industry speculation suggests that this revival is thanks to renewed consumer concern for better produce and value for money.

The results also show that 62% of households are aware of farmers’ markets in their area – a four percent increase on last year.

Consistent with previous years, the survey showed that 90% of households would like to buy direct from the farm if they could.

“We believe these results show a healthy sector,” says Gareth Jones, FARMA managing agent. “They are consistent with what members are telling us: people are becoming more aware of the benefits of local foods direct from the producer, particularly in this economic downturn,” he adds.

Reasons contributing to the prominence of this sector include: desire to show support for the community and local economy, increased appreciation for the quality of food and a willingness to endorse the environmental benefits of producing and consuming food from the nearby farms.

“Their custom supports local businesses and their friends and neighbours’ jobs, the rural economy, and foods that are locally distinctive. Consumers come back over and again for food of excellent quality that has lower environmental impacts both in its production and its retailing,” concludes Mr Jones.

The sixth annual FARMA local food sector tracking survey was conducted through YouGov from 23-25 June 2009 among over 2,000 households across Great Britain.

FARMA is a not-for-profit, member-owned co-operative society of farmers, artisan food producers and farmers’ markets organisers, all involved in making their own and foods available on a local scale.

It has 700 members from all over the UK, representing more than 850 outlets.

An estimated 800 farmers’ markets, 3,500 farm shops, 600 pick-your-own farms and 500 box and home delivery schemes are currently operating in the UK.

For more information see www.farma.org.uk