Latest News from FARMA

New apple that refuses to rot...

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:44 +0100

It may not have a very appealing name - RS 103-130 - but this new breed of apple is said to be revolutionary, apparently surviving out of the fridge for more than two weeks with no sign of softening, and a fantastic flavour to boot.

The deep red apple...

National Sausage week: Farm Shops get out their award-winning bangers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:14:04 +0100

2-8 November

Now in its 12th year and organised by the British Sausage Appreciation Society, British Sausage Week aims to celebrate the taste, quality and variety of the sausage – of which there are some 400 individually named varieties.

Whether grilled for breakfast,...

My, How we've grown... Farmers' Weekly celebrates 30 years of FARMA

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:06:53 +0100

"There are now 750 farmers' markets across the UK, generating about £250 million for the economy. When you include 4,000 farm shops, plus various pick-your-own and box schemes across the UK, the retail value of the direct-sale farm produce secotr is estimated at £2.5billion."

Farmers' Weekly looks back at...

The Hop Shop named Diversified Farm of the Year

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:53:36 +0100

FARMA members at The Hop Shop in Kent have been awarded the title of Diversified Farm of the Year in the Farmers' Weekly Awards.

William and Caroline Alexander’s diversification project began in the mid 1980’s on their...

Godstone Farm is open for visitors

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:39:47 +0100

Good news that Godstone Farm, Surrey has opened its gates again from this Monday (26 October), with the playbarns, play areas, tea room and cafe available for visitors to enjoy - particularly as it's Halloween week and there's lots going on. However the animals are still out-of-bounds for the public while the...

From pumpkin festivals to haunted farmhouses: half-term heatwave is good news for farmers

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:46:58 +0100

The Met Office has confirmed this week an official Indian Summer, with temperatures reaching up to 20C.

It's perfect timing for farms across the UK who are welcoming holidaying school children and their parents to a fun-packed week of events, including pumpkin festivals and trails, farm walks and creative activities.

Congratulations go to...

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:26:08 +0100

Celyn Farmers' Market, who this month celebrated ten year of trading.

The Farmers' Market, based in Northop, was launched in October 1999, making it the oldest in North Wales, and has since expanded to Mold and Chester.

About 2,500 visitors and 35 producers flocked to the anniversary celebration...

IGD forecasts a bright future for farm sales

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:03:06 +0100

IGD recently asked customers which food outlets they would be buying from by 2012 compared to now.

The findings, published in the report 'Shoppers in 2012 - Will your business be ready for them', produced some encouraging results for local foods:

26% of people thought they would be...

FARMA members continue to top Awards' line-ups

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:47:15 +0100

A cheese produced by High Weald Dairy in West Sussex has been named the Best in Britain and 5th best in the World at an International Competition.

The High Weald Dairy, at Tremains Farm in Horstead Keynes, competed against nearly 2,500 cheeses...

Government to ensure markets survive

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:17:42 +0100

For the first time the Government is taking on the role of protecting traditional markets. Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton announced today (Monday 12 October) that, to ensure that the traditional market survives, the Government is taking action to support street, covered and farmers' markets in recognition of their significant economic...

Happy Birthday FARMA!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:56:15 +0100

Former FRA and FARMA chairmen, left to right: Laurie March, Rob Keene, Peter Thompson, Stuart Beare, Sally Bendall, Andrew McTurk and Richard Simkin

Last Thursday was cause for celebration as FARMA marked its 30th birthday.

Members gathered from across the...

Happy 10th Birthday to Haverfordwest Farmers' Market!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:44:07 +0100

Hundreds of visitors helped Haverfordwest Farmers Market celebrate its 10^th birthday at this year's Harvest Fayre.

The annual autumn fayre, which was held in glorious autumn sunshine last Friday, celebrates the best seasonal local produce as well as British Food Fortnight, and stallholders reported...

Countdown to FARMA's new conference and trade show!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:27:35 +0100

Telford, 25 - 27 January 2010
More info: 0845 45 88 420

It is now full steam ahead towards the next FARMA conference in January - This year's three-day event is destined to be bigger than ever, addressing every aspect of farm...

Bluebell Dairy amongst final three in BBC Awards

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:19:03 +0100

Congratulations to FARMA members Bluebell Dairy, who are one of the final three shortlisted for the BBC Farmer of the Year Awards.

Owner Rosemary Brown was surprised to receive a phone call from the BBC provisionally booking to come and do an interview about the farm's...

Low Sizergh Barn wins Tourism Award

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:06:40 +0100

FARMA member, Low Sizergh Barn, Kendal, Cumbria has won the 'Taste of England's Northwest' Award in the England's Northwest Toursim Awards, organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

The trophies were presented on 28 September at the Tower Ballroom,...

Food & Fairness Inquiry: Have your say in the future of food and farming

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:33:42 +0100

The Food Ethics Council has commissioned an Inquiry to understand what a fair future for food and farming could mean in practice.

The Inquiry wants your opinions to help them decide whether the government, businesses and the public are doing enough to make sure food is produced and...

FARMA members set the standard at Food Awards across the UK

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:10:12 +0100

Congratulations to FARMA members in Suffolk and Staffordshire who raised the bar at prestigious Regional Food Awards last week.

Farm shops, farm restaurants, on-farm caterers and artisan producers...

Real Bread Conference

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:59:56 +0100

Ever considered making your own bread?

A new conference organised by Oxford based Community Group Landshare will be exploring the issues behind bread, from the politics of additives and wheat production, to the ingredients and methods for a really good loaf.

FARMA AWARDS: Finalists Announced!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:34:36 +0100

The finalists of the 2010 FARMA Awards have been announced!

Thank you to everyone who entered the awards this year - we received over 80 entries, all examplifying the high standard, hard work and passion that continues to drive farm retailing in the UK.

Well done to all...

FARMA 30th Anniversary - Last chance to book tickets

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:52:16 +0100

2009 marks FARMA's 30th birthday, and to celebrate we're inviting all members, old and new to join us for an evening of fine local foods on Thursday 8 October.