Farmers' Markets

Farmers Markets are intended to enable local producers to sell their home produced goods directly to local consumers in circumstances which promote dialogue and understanding between producer and consumer and enable high quality produce to be affordable while also generating a fair income for producers. Farmers Markets promote a more sustainable society by reducing “food miles”, assisting in the sale and marketing of food produced to high environmental and welfare standards, and reconnecting consumers with the farming community that surrounds and serves them.

1. Defined radius
   Only producers from within the local area shall be eligible to sell their produce.
   Local means within 30 miles of the market. This may be extended for certain products up to a maximum of 60 miles.
2. Own produce
   All produce sold must originate from the defined radius and be grown, reared, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholder.
   * For primary produce, that it has spent at least 50% of its life on the producer’s holding.
   * For processed meat products, that the meat is either primary produce or sourced locally from a primary producer with detailed traceability available.
   * For other processed foods and crafts that the products have been produced and/or made within the local area and ingredients sourced locally wherever possible.
   * No bought in produce may be resold without further processing and processed goods should contain at least 10% ingredients of local origin.
3. Principal producer
   The stall must be attended by the principal producer or an appropriate representative so that it is clear to customers that they are in a direct relationship with him or her. This condition means that the stall will be operated directly by someone involved in production, not just in other aspects of the producer’s business. If the principal does not attend, this will generally mean a senior employee or a member of the principal’s family.
4. Policy and information
   * The Market will encourage organic producers, those creating local employment and those adopting high welfare or environmental standards.
   * Producers will give clear information about production methods which shall be available to any consumer who requests it.
   * No genetically modified produce may be sold or included in products sold at the market.
   * All stallholders must comply with all Trading Standards and Environmental Health requirements.
   * All producers must have employee, public and product liability insurance.
   * Local stallholders directly involved in the production of goods sourced from outside the local area shall be allowed to attend as a 'guest stall' if it is considered to be in the spirit of the farmers market.