About Us

THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

Henry VIII defined Kent as 'the Garden of England' and it is still true today, with 40% of the horticultural products consumed in the UK (90% of cherries are grown in Kent and 26% of all land growing vines for wine are in Kent.

KENT FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION

We are a voluntary Association initially formed initially to promote Farmers Markets, their locations and times of operation. It is run by volunteers and is a not for profit organisation.

The Association was based on the premise that by co-operating together we can be far stronger than the individual parts.

The first and still the most important joint project initiated by the Association was to develop a web site showing the location of the markets, a brief description including directions, parking information, opening times as well as the local Producers who attended these markets. The web site also incudes 'Advice and Guidance' regarding starting up a market, a retail food business and Food Safety.

FUTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The web site has now become a comprehensive guide as to where loacl shoppers and visitors alike can find other local food and drink producers. We see this role as expanding as we take on other local produce and producers.

We aim to become a 'one stop shop' to find all things about local produce i.e. where to find it and how to purchase it., 'Whats in Season ', a Food Festival Calendar and more

We do not sell any produce to the consumer but simply guide them as to where they can find local produce i.e. back to the local producers web site

A common problem experienced by small producers is how do we inform the general shopping public about our produce ? and 'How do they find us to buy our produce ? '. They are so busy producing that most have little time to spend on marketing and very few of them have any experience in this field.

The Association' s role is two fold:-

a) informing the shopping public of both the health and economic benefits of eating local food and

b) where they can find and purchase local food.

Initially we concentrated on promoting Farmers Markets and their Producers but now we have expanded these principles to other local food and drink producers and in particular, WHERE they are located and HOW shoppers can purchase their products. To date we have the following sectors:-

FARM SHOPS Many of these grew from selling produce at the farm gate. Over time they have become unique retailers selling in rural locations, often in old farm buildings. These 'shops' have enabled many farmers to diversify and offer other attractions. They, plus Farmers Markets, have now become the bastions of retailing of local produce. Both have also grown in variety of produce sold and both attract 'Local Artisan Producers' .

VINEYARDS With climate change and the realisation that the geology of the south east of England is very similar to that of parts of France, vineyards have seen major growth in Kent and Sussex over the last 15 years. Many of these businesses are now adding value to their original purpose by using their rural locations as assets in their own right and have diversified with the addition of vineyard tours, shops and food venues, aimed at locals and tourists alike.

MICRO BREWERIES The interest in local beers and different types of beers have seen a major growth in micro breweries all over the country. This growth has been especially high in Kent and Sussex stimulated with the resurgance of the hop industry. Again they are diversifying to make their locations attractive to visitors

SOFT DRINKS & CIDER

Both Kent and East Sussex are tradintional fruit growing areas. Recently, old and new apple and pear orchards are regenerating with new customers wanting new soft drink tastes. Innovations such as revival of old varieties and mixing apple with other local Kentish fruits (e.g. Raspberry) are changing the market. The same is happening with cider (i.e. the unpasteurised version of apple juice). Apple cider is becoming a key element in cooking whilst Apple Cider vinegar is also growing both as a marinade and health drink.

FARMERS MARKETS

To date there are just over 45 Market Members of our Association which run over 1100 markets every year. Over 450 local food Producers attend these markets plus 200 craft makers. The variety of their produce is amazing Click here to see the Produce and Producers retailed at Farmers Markets in Kent.. Much of the produce is not even seen at your local Supermarket.In addition we have now added almost 200 other local producers and retailers who produce and sell ditrectly to the public.

We offer the same benefits of mutual co-operation to all Producers and Retailers of local food in Kent (and the South East) by:-