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FARMA Local Food Awards 2014 now open for entries!
The prestigious FARMA Local Food Awards 2014 are now open for entries.
For more than ten years these Awards have recognised the best in UK Farm Retail; from farm shops to farmers’ markets, pick-your-owns to farm parks. They are highly regarded in the industry, as they are judged by peers and experts who consider not only the customer experience, but the retail skills, management, and passion for local foods, farming and the environment which shape our businesses. The FARMA Awards raise the profile of finalists, winners, and the sector as a whole, in the eyes of both the media and valued customers.
Think your farm retail business deserves the attention of the nation?
Download your entry form here - for Farm Shops, Butchery, Restaurant, Environmental.
PYO farms have already been notified and sent forms - if you haven't got a form and you want to enter please call 0845 45 88 420. The Farmers' Markets entry form will be emailed to members shortly. Complete the form and return it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by midnight on Wednesday 10 July.
The FARMA Awards are only open to FARMA members. Not yet a member? Find out more here, or give us a call on 0845 45 88 420.
"The FARMA Local Food Awards are a fantastic marketing & PR tool. Winning The Farm Retailer of the Year Award really boosted our staff morale, customers loved it, we gained lots of press coverage and we still use the award logo on all press and advertising, including TV adverts. Participating in the awards also makes you look at your business through the eyes of an outsider - a very useful process which helps question what and why, something we often don’t do enough, and can bring fresh insight and inspiration into what you do."
Heather Copley, Farmer Copleys, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
"To win a FARMA Local Food Award is the highest accolade a Farm Retailer can achieve. A very detailed judging process by your peers over a period of several months ensures that winners really are the "Best in Class" - and the media are quickly realising this. To be chosen as a winner or even as a finalist is a great morale booster for the staff team and your loyal customers."
Andy Jeffery, Farrington's Farm Shop, Farrington Gurney, nr Bristol
FARMA 'What Makes a Winner' Events
Our series of FARMA What Makes a Winner events has begun!
Book yourself a place, or consider sending your managers and staff members and revitalise your business with fresh ideas.
Call 0845 45 88 420 to book.
Rhug Estate Farm Shop & Bistro & Ludlow Food Centre
Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 May
Two superb days at excellent farm retailers - thanks to all who attended and especially our hosts. There will be a short report in Retail Farmer, out soon
More on the Rhug Estate Farm Shop & Bistro event here
More on the Ludlow Food Centre event here
Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop, Knitsley Farm Shop and Broom House Farm
Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 June
Cross Lanes is an inspirational business. Whether you're new to farm retail or just starting up, whatever your budget, there are plenty of take-home ideas here guaranteed to transform any pre-conceived notions of Environmental retail. On Tuesday we move on to Knitsley Farm Shop (Own & Local Award winner) in the morning, followed by Broom House Farm (Farm Destination of the Year) where we'll be focusing on educational farm visits and on-farm activities.
Tickets are £55 per person per day, or £100 for both days.
Read more on the Cross Lanes event
Read more on the Knitsley/Broom House event
Professional Profitable PYO
Garsons Farm, Wednesday 29 May
‘We have made many changes at Garsons over the past few years, and we warmly invite you to see what we’ve done.’ Peter Thompson, Chairman
Garson Farm lies in the flood plain of the River Mole, about 15 miles south of central London. Five generations have farmed there, going from market garden growers for London’s wholesale markets to direct sales in 1979, when the farm shop in its present building opened, followed in 1981 with the opening of the PYO fields. The day at Garsons is complemented by a presentation from Grays Farm, Wokingham, joint winners with Garsons of the FARMA PYO of the Year 2013.
The programme for the day includes a tour of the farm and farm shop, and presentations and discussions on marketing, measuring business performance, loyalty schemes and crop updates.
Ticket price £50 pp + VAT. Book two tickets for £95 + VAT.
