Farm shop videos reconnect local food producers with customers

As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, many consumers are self-isolating and reducing their visits to shops. With local food producers struggling to get their products in front of shoppers, Fiona Pollock of Ardross Farm Shop in Fife has masterminded a way to reconnect consumers with producers.

Working through the Ardross Farm Shop Facebook page, Fiona has organised a series of live, behind the scenes tours with local food makers. The series will kick off on the 23rd of April with Nick Fleming of Ovenstone 109, who will take viewers on a brewery tour, including the start-to-finish process of creating the company’s beers.

“With customers increasingly using our home delivery or phone and collect service, a lot of wonderful products are struggling to be seen without a shop window,” explains Fiona. “After the success of Go Rural’s Lambathon, which we participated in last week, I suddenly thought that Facebook’s live videos were the perfect platform to reconnect producers and customers.” The live element of the video means that people watching from home will be able to interact with producers by asking questions.

The businesses Fiona has approached have been excited to join in. “Despite none of us being experts in filming, I’m sure people will really look forward to meeting the people behind some of our most popular products and engaging with them while remaining safely at home.”

Other participants will include Lochaber Farm Bakery, which will present a showcase of its sourdough; Pittenweem Preserves, which will make its award-winning jam; Lunan Bay Farm, which will tour the first of the Scottish asparagus spears appearing; and Easter Grangemuir Farm, which will show viewers where their delicious strawberries are grown. More producers will be announced every day.