Kent’s Farmers' Markets find a voice
Above: Left to right: Benjamin Dent, far left, and Bob Taylor, KMFA vice-chairman, far right, with guests at the launch of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association in Shipbourne
An initiative set up by the managers of Kent’s 33 Farmers’ Markets has resulted in the launch of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association and a new website that will make it easier for shoppers to find out details of the nearly 900 markets held a year across the county, which already attract 160,000 shoppers annually.
Speaking at the launch, held in glorious sunshine at Shipbourne Farmers’ Market, chairman, Benjamin Dent, said: “This has happened at a good time for us, because there is a real interest among shoppers about where their food has come from.
“We’re local, air-mile free food, we’re about less packaging, we’re about selling direct from the producers and getting a fairer deal for that, we’re about good value and quality, and we believe we are highly competitive with the supermarkets.”
Ben, who also manages Penshurst Farmers’ Market, explained the benefits to local farmers and small food producers. “While I’m delighted to see the increased sales in Fair Trade products from developing countries, we need to get a fair deal for Kent’s farmers too – and Farmers’ Markets and farm shops do just that. A profitable farming industry offers the best protection for the countryside.”
We’re local, air-mile free food, we’re about less packaging, we’re about selling direct from the producers and getting a fairer deal
He reminded his audience that Kent’s Farmers Markets are already contributing £3m to the county’s economy, “largely on the back of volunteer effort” and that a recent announcement by the British Egg Information Service revealed the retail market for free-range eggs is worth more than for battery farmed eggs.
“We are already making a good impact on both the environment and the economy of Kent, but we believe as managers we can do better – increasing the social, environmental and economic aspects to our county.
“Our research has shown us that we need markets open at different times - for example, Rolvenden is now opening between 5pm and 7pm – thus attracting a different kind of shopper, and we need to remind people what Farmers’ Markets offer and where they are held.”
? Kent Farmers’ Market Association is now the largest county grouping of Farmers’ Markets in the UK.