Information for producers interested to sell at Farmers' Markets in North East England

Farmers' Markets offer an ideal opportunity for new product testing and are a low cost entry point for new producers. New producers are very welcome at Farmers Markets, although some have a limited space and operate a waiting list (eg Newcastle).

To sell at Farmers Markets your products need to meet the FARMA criteria  listed at the bottom of this screen - if they do not you should be looking at the regular street or charter markets. Often these are run by the same organisations as those that run the Farmers Markets (certainly Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnwick and Durham are) and you need to contact them directly.

NEEFM does not operate any Farmers' Markets itself. Each Farmers’ Market is run by a different organisation – the local council, community group, social enterprise, producer group or private business. So you need to contact each Farmers' Market directly. Information and contact details for each market can be found on the Markets page of this website. To find about the cost and how to book a stall then check out the individual Farmers' Market web page or call the number given. And note that most markets have local rules - mostly to do with getting a good mix of stalls and keeping the market attractive and viable.

It pays to do a little 'market research' - so you know what is already being sold, how many stalls are there, and how many customers turn up. It is important particularly for new producers to identify what customers want and check that there is no one already selling the same products. The "Most Wanted Produce" tab lists of some of the produce needed at different Farmers' Markets in NE England as at our last survey – but check out the Farmers' Markets you would like to sell at first as the range of produce varies at each one.

NEEFM runs occasional “Cash From Your Kitchen, Garden or Workshop” sessions to give information for people thinking about selling at Farmers' Markets. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would be interested and we will let you know when they happen.

Some markets are indoors and supply tables - but you might need a chiller, some are outdoors - and may or may not provide stalls. Rents in the North East range from about £20 - 55.


Insurance can be obtained through the National Market Traders Federation, Tel: 01226 749021, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
But - essentially - choose the market you are interested in and phone up the market organiser and ask if you can come along. Go to the market directory on this website for contact information - you cannot book a stall on any market through NEEFM.

The National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) standards are:
1.  Most FARMA Certified Farmers' Markets in NE England define local as a 50 mile radius of the market, from which the majority of producers will be drawn. 

2.  Only produce from within the defined local area may be sold at Most FARMA Certified Farmers' Markets in NE England except that:

  • The maximum distance from which producers may travel is 100 miles
  • When space becomes available at the market local producers will receive preference, without compromising quality

 3.  Produce should be grown, reared or processed by the stallholder. No bought in produce may be resold without further processing. 

4.  Stalls must be staffed by someone who is directly involved in growing, raising or producing the goods on sale.

5.  Processed goods must contain at least 10% and as much locally sourced ingredient as it is possible for the product.

  • The base product should be significantly altered to qualify for sale at the market.
  • Local ingredients and estimated % should be listed on your application from; proof of local origin should be attached to your application.

 6.  No Genetically Modified produce, or goods containing genetically modified ingredients may be knowingly sold.

7.  If claiming organic or similar certification, a copy of the certificate must be displayed on your stall.

8.  All stallholders must have public liability insurance and comply with current Trading Standards and Environmental Health requirements.

These rules are in addition to any general market operating rules