NEEFM member, Hexham Farmers’ Market has reached the finals of National Farmers’ Market of the Year Award, from the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA).  The market is one of ten UK finalists, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 26 January at Farm & More, the national farm retail conference.

Gareth Jones of FARMA, commented, “Hexham is a lively and bustling farmers’ market, thanks to the friendly stallholders and committed customers. They have worked hard to build relationships within the community, supporting small rural businesses and offering residents great quality local food.”

Peter Samsom, Coordinator for Hexham Farmers’ Market said, “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this National Award. Our stallholders put a lot of hard work into bringing the freshest locally produced products to Hexham and our customers are tremendously loyal, shopping at the farmers’ market right through the year.  It’s great that this joint commitment is being recognised”

Notes:

The National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) is a 700-strong farmer-owned co-operative that represents and supports direct sales to the consumer in all its forms: farm shops, pick-your-own farms, farmers’ markets, box schemes and internet sales.

It sets standards for farmers’ markets with an independent inspection and Certification mark to ensure that they are genuine farmers’ markets; and works to improve retailing and marketing skills throughout the industry.  The FARMA Awards have been running since 2002.

December 2009