FRA farmers markets celebrate 25 years of serving communities across UK

FRA explained that farmers markets across the UK provide thousands of farmers with a viable local route to market their produce and are an integral part of keeping the real food culture alive across the UK. 

Lenham Country Market and West Malling Farmers Market, which form part of the M Farmers Market group in Kent, both celebrated 25 years in September, as did Moseley Farmers Market in Birmingham. Wimbledon Farmers Market also celebrated 25 years earlier this year, and Kings Norton in Birmingham achieved 20 years in business.  

Across the London Farmers Market network, Wimbledon and Blackheath markets both turned 25 this year. The Queens’ Park market turned 20 this September, and Twickenham marks its 25th anniversary. Stroud Farmers Market in Gloucestershire celebrated 25 years in 2024.  

Radley Russell, who runs Moseley Farmers Market and is also an FRA council member, said: “It’s just incredible to see so many of our visitors joining us for our 25th anniversary celebration and continuing to buy almost all of their food from a real local farmers market. It’s brought us so much joy over the past 25 years.” 

The FRA members underlined that as they look to the future, it is more important than ever to keep buying local and seasonal produce and to support local traders and farmers who make our community thrive. 

Sandra Woodfall, market manager for M Farmers Markets in Kent, added: “For me, our 25 years was about celebrating the great local producers and recognising the important role they play in the sustainability of the farmers markets and thanking the loyal customers for their support.” 

‘It’s the best day of the week’

Speaking for the Farm Retail Association’s More Than Food campaign, food writer and broadcaster Prue Leith called farmers markets “social events” for the local community.  

She added: “Of course it’s important to get great food, but farmers markets bring something else. It’s the best day of the week; it’s when the whole village turns out.  

“It’s a social event, and it’s glorious! I truly believe that people need connections with nature, and for many of us the only time we talk to people who live in the countryside is at a farmers market.  

“If you’ve never been to a farmers market or farm shop, give it a go! It’s fun, and I promise you’ll come with a lot more than you meant to.” 

Earlier this year the FRA launched its ‘Real Farmers Market’ certification scheme to bring consistency and clarity to what it means to be a real farmers market. The scheme has been refreshed with the aim of giving members of the public a clear understanding of which markets are true farmers markets. 

To become a certified farmers market, there are eight key principles that must be met, including championing local farmers, prioritising local produce and demonstrating provenance.  

For more information about joining the scheme or the Farm Retail Association, contact hello@farmretail.co.uk

READ MORE: More Than Food campaign: Prue Leith encourages people to shop local and support farmers

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