60 second guide to... Farmers' markets

Are farmers’ markets part of a new food revolution or just another fad?

• Q:

  What are farmers’ markets?

• A:

  For a start, they’re not just for farmers. Farmers' markets sell produce from all manner of growers and producers – including brewers, smokers and fishmongers. Each comes from a defined local area and the stallholders are the people who have produced the goods, so you're buying food straight from the source.

• Q:

  How do you know that it’s good stuff?

• A:

  The National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) independently assesses and certifies all farmers’ markets in the UK to ensure that the produce is fresh and local. Under FARMA's rules, 'local' means within a 30-mile radius, although this can be extended up to 100 miles for markets in London.
  

• Q:

  Is all the produce all organic?

• A:

  Not all of it, but a high percentage. If you’re not sure, you can always ask the stallholders but if it is organic, they’ll usually be advertising that fact.
  

• Q:

  Are farmers’ markets more expensive than supermarkets?

• A:

  That depends on what you buy. Farmers’ markets have a reputation for being expensive, but when it comes to quality produce, advocates say there is little difference.
  
  In 2000, a survey by the University of the West of England found that prices of organic meat and poultry were actually 37 per cent higher at supermarkets, with organic vegetables being 33 per cent cheaper at farmers’ markets.
  

• Q:

  Can I do my weekly shop there?

• A:

  Most people will be hard pushed to find everything they need at a farmers’ market. But if you are lucky enough to have a choice of markets nearby then you may be able to get the what you need for most of the week.
  

• Q:

  What are the advantages?

• A:

  Food from farmers’ markets is fresh, local, in season and often organic. It won’t have travelled very far, and packaging is usually kept to a minimum.
  
  You can also chat to the producers about where the food is grown, how their animals are reared and how the food is processed. Plus they’ll have great recipe and cooking tips.
  
  According to environmental charity Friends of the Earth (FoE), spending money at farmers’ markets also helps support your local economy. In a 2000 report, FoE reported that the Stour Valley farmers’ market injected between £60,000 and £100,000 into the local rural economy in one year.

• Q:

  Are there any disadvantages?

• A:

  There are now more than 500 farmers’ markets across the country, but not everyone has one on their doorstep, so they’re not always that convenient. Compared with the cheapest supermarket alternatives, prices can be another deterrent.
  
  Farmers' markets are sometimes seen as expensive and elitist, but advocates argue that the price reflects the quality of the produce that's on offer.
  
  Uncertified farmers’ markets have also been criticised for selling food that isn’t local at all. In 2007, an undercover reporter for the Sunday Times revealed some farmers’ market stallholders were stocking up on supplies from regular wholesale food markets. FARMA’s advice is to only shop at certified markets that are subject to independent checks.
  

• Q:

  How can I find farmers’ markets in my area?

• A:

  Enter your postcode at Big Barn to find your nearest farmers market, vegetable box schemes and other local fare. Alternatively, check out farmersmarkets.net for a searchable list of certified farmers’ markets in the UK.