Hampshire Farmers’ Markets - a model for the UK

The highly successful programme of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets was set up by the EDO in 1999.

With average takings now of £500 per stall-holder and average attendances of around 5,000 customers, the markets are now renowned as the largest and most successful in the UK. Winchester is the largest in the UK, with around 85 stall-holders and around 10,000 shoppers attending each month. After three years running the markets, the Economic Development Office asked the stallholders to organise and manage the farmers' markets themselves. It worked closely with Business Link Wessex who helped them set up a new limited company Hampshire Farmers Markets Ltd, run by the farmers and growers which commenced trading in January 2002. In 2001, despite foot and mouth, the income generated at the Hampshire farmers' markets was £1.5 million. In 2002, it was £1.77 million.

It is seen as a model for many other areas around the UK and was the first to receive official certification from the National Association of Farmers' Markets. The programme for 2003 saw 85 markets, 2004 had 95 markets (generating £2.5 million sales), 90 in 2005 and 96 markets in 2006 (generating £3million sales.) which was repeated in 2007 and 2008.

Hampshire Farmers' Markets Schedule

Hampshire Farmers Markets Ltd - tel: 01420 588671

www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

News:

Hampshire Farmers' Markets Celebrate 10 Years of Business Success