A farmers’ market is a place where local farmers and food producers sell their products directly to the public. All produce must be local (meaning that generally the food must have been grown, produced or reared within 30 miles of the farmers’ market).

The stallholder should have produced everything he is selling himself, and will be able to answer any questions you may have about the techniques used in producing such food

What can I buy at a farmers’ market?

You can find a range of fresh and locally sourced produce at a farmers’ market. You should expect to find some specialist produce too, and products that you would not usually find at supermarkets, making farmers’ markets a great place to pick up different, interesting food. You will also find a lot of organic produce at farmers’ markets, although they do not only sell organic products.

What you can buy at a farmers’ market will, of course, differ depending on area, but examples of the type of food you could expect to find include:

• In season, locally grown vegetables and fruit
• Locally reared meat, perhaps including more unusual meats such as bison, venison and wild boar
• Locally sourced eggs
• A range of bread and cakes
• Freshly made fruit juices
• Jams, marmalades and pickles
• Dairy produce, such as a range of cheeses and yoghurts

If you want to be completely sure that the food you are buying is fresh and local, only attend FARMA certified farmers’ markets, of which there are over 200 in the UK. The FARMA certification standard ensures that vendors are only selling the best, local, fresh produce.

For more information and to find your local FARMA certified farmers’ market, visit the National Association of Farmers' Markets web site.

Why should I visit a farmers’ market?

There are many reasons to visit your local farmers’ market, not to mention the fact that you will no doubt pick up fresh and tasty food that isn’t available in the supermarkets.

By buying produce from a farmers’ market you are supporting local businesses and producers, providing a demand for their fresh, local, and often organic produce. This has huge environmental benefits, as buying locally spares the environmental costs that accompany much of the food in our supermarkets, which is flown from all over the world.

Buying locally supports your local economy as you are helping to retain jobs and raise the profile of your local businesses.

Another benefit of buying directly from the producer is that you can ask questions about your food and are often able to taste before you buy. Cutting out the ‘middle man’ means that there are not the costs associated with fruit and vegetables that have travelled from faraway countries.