Sustainable Communities

Farmers' Market Support and Local Food Promotion

"Developing farmers' markets, which provide a good deal for both farmers and consumers and help local economies"

A development manager will help farmers bring and show their produce at markets, as well as promoting the markets and liaising with relevant authorities. Assistance with certification and the maintenance of standards will also be given.

Organisation: Leicestershire Food Links Ltd.

Completion Date: 31/03/2007

Location

Leicester and Leicestershire

Project Description

Quotation (max. 50 words).
Author

Background
The project will support the establishment of new farmers' markets within the sub-region and extend the development activity currently occurring at established markets. The project will be delivered by Leicestershire Food Links, a not-for-profit organisation with a proven track record in developing farmers markets in the county.

Currently, the organisation operates a number of markets at Hinckley, Castle Donnington, Coalville and Leicester with occasional events also held at Oabdy & Wigston.

The project will employ a development manager to carry out activities that include:

Help for farmers

• Recruiting, training and supporting local farmers, growers and other food producers to sell their produce at the markets.
• Operating a 'Producer Accreditation' scheme to ensure authenticity of all produce.
• Arranging the provision of stalls, electrical power supplies, banners, leaflets, etc.

Liaison and promotion

• Liasing with local authorities, community groups, etc. Also, booking stalls, ensuring a 'balance of trade', collecting stall fees.
• Arranging publicity events, e.g. cookery demonstrations and other entertainment.
• Promoting events and activity through the media.
• Linking to other initiatives, e.g. Leicestershire Produce Labelling scheme, educational projects, local sourcing for caterers and retailers, etc.

Certification and standards

• Maintaining certification of the markets by the National Association of Farmers' Markets.
• Working with Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers to ensure full compliance with all regulations.

Outcomes

The objectives of the project divide into three broad areas:
Supporting food producers

• By providing new or enhanced markets for agricultural produce, enabling businesses to remain viable and competitive.

Supporting economic development

• By enabling urban centres to benefit from the surrounding rural areas, particularly though an increase in trade experienced by retailers already established in the market location.

Supporting the sustainability agenda

• By demonstrating and reinforcing the links between local food production and local marketing of produce.

The project will also result in:

• Health benefits for consumers.
• Improved links between food industry initiatives.

Project Contacts

Project manager:
Alec Duthie
Tel: 01530 261 379
E-mail: Alec.duthie@leicestershirefoodlinks.org.uk
Website: www.leicestershirefoodlinks.org.uk

LSEP contact:
Gill Smitherman
Tel: 0116 257 5676
Email: gills@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk