"Ten years later, with more than 50 stalls, the market has become much more than a monthly event. Under the auspices of Iain Lynch of Waverley Borough Council, it has impacted producer businesses locally and further afield, offering training in customer care and retailing.  In 2009 Milford farmers’ market was the second producer-led co-operative group to be established under the Making Local Foods Work programme..."

"Beadlam Grange farm shop, which was a finalist in four further categories, was praised by the judges for its inspirational approach to retailing that keeps the farm firmly at the heart of the business; from the cows in the field on the approach, to the vintage tractors and indoor bridges in the converted barn which makes up the shop floor, to the farm’s own lamb, mutton and beef in the over-the-counter butchery. There is a raw charm and excitement about Beadlam Grange."

"Farmer Copleys first began selling its homegrown beef to the public in December 2003. Six years later and the multimillion pound business has been redeveloped to offer a farm retail experience complete with open view bakery, impressive 10.5m butchery counter, deli, café, florist shop and weekend fishmonger. However, what impressed the judges most was the hard work, innovation and attention to detail that went into every project at Farmer Copleys..."

"120 acres are dedicated solely to the PYO, which is open to the public from the first asparagus in May to pumpkins in October. More than 40 crops (106 varieties) are available to pick, with favourites like strawberries and raspberries on offer from early summer until the first frosts. Gladioli, dahlias, sweet peas, sunflowers, and the herb Phacelia, all for picking are a much-loved bonus."

"The Own and Local Award celebrates what makes farm shops unique, individually and as a retail concept; no mere food halls, these shops sell food they have grown and reared themselves, complimented with produce from neighbouring farmers and local artisan producers. This award is about the heart of farm retailing."

"Suffolk Food Hall is a partnership venture between two family farms in Wherstead and Broxtead, who sought a new outlet for their top quality meat and game. The Food Hall prides itself on providing a full food offer, but there is no doubt that the butchery is centre stage..."

“‘This isn’t food miles its food feet… I think customers have the right to know the provenance of their food, stare the butcher in the eye and ask him how he raised his animals, watch the chef in the kitchen cooking shepherd’s pie for the restaurant, as well as the ready meals that we are now famed for.” ...

Booklet about what FARMA is and what we do.

On-farm restaurants are proving a huge hit with customers looking for quality homecooked local food and affordable prices. Another reason to visit your local farm shop.

The finalists in this award are serving popular and innovative dishes inspired by the food they grow themselves and sourced from the surrounding area.

Farm shops are fantastic places to find high quality local meat. Many now offer a full butchery service to boot, meaning that customers can get top tips on cooking a huge range of cuts as well as reassurance about where their food is coming from.