Farmers' Markets

Link: Times and dates of Farmers' Markets in Stafford Borough

What is a Farmers' Market?
A Farmers' Market is one in which farmers, growers and producers from a defined local area are present in person to sell their own produce, direct to the public. All products on sale have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders.

Why are Farmers' Markets different?
Farmers' Markets are busy and bustling and offer a chance to make shopping fun again, as well as a chance to meet the producers of the food you eat. The public can be confident of the origins of the food and have their queries answered knowledgeably. Farmers' Markets are an opportunity for all kinds of food producers and offer an entry point for many farmers who have not 'sold direct' before.

What other benefits do Farmers' Markets have?
Farmers' Markets provide a boost to the local farming economy as well as to town centre business. They also help the environment. Locally produced food does not have to travel far and therefore reduces 'food miles' and transport and fuel costs. Producers at the Farmers' Markets also tend to use more wildlife friendly methods. Some are organic producers, others are involved in programmes like Countryside Stewardship.

What do you get at a 'Farmers' Market'?

LOCAL PRODUCE from less than 30 miles away (mainly in Staffordshire) QUALITY PRODUCE, FRESH PRODUCE GOOD VALUE FUN FARMERS, GROWERS & PRODUCERS to question and talk to VARIETY, CHARACTER, SOMETHING DIFFERENT A BOOST TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY STRICT HYGIENE STANDARDS TRADITION YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT, FEWER 'FOOD MILES' (the distance food travels from farmers and growers to your home) - transportation of food long distances around the nation or from overseas is more polluting than simply using local food

Farmers' Markets in Stafford Borough were originally set up as part of Stafford Borough Council's Local Agenda 21 programme for Sustainable Development inpartnership with The Food and Farming Union, W.I.Markets, Friends Of The Earth, Soil Association, Stafford Borough Allotment Society, Stafford Market, South Staffordshire Health Authority, Staffordshire County Council, Stone Town Council.