More than half of British households bought food directly from outlets on farms this year, according to a survey.
The National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) annual survey, conducted through YouGov on 23-25 June, found that 53% of 2000 households had bought food from direct sales outlets including farm shops, farmers' markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes.
Farm shops and farmers' markets saw the highest number of customers since the survey began in 2004, with both showing 33% of households shopping at them in 2009. They remained the most popular places to buy local food.
After a period of decline in 2004-2008, pick-your-own farms showed their first increase in customer numbers, possibly helped by the warm weather in many places last month.
The survey also showed that consumer awareness of local farmers' markets had improved, with only 32% of households not aware of such markets in their area, down from 39% last year. Most people surveyed (90%) said they would like to buy food direct from the farm if they could.
"We believe these results show a healthy sector," FARMA's Gareth Jones said. "People are becoming more aware of the benefits of local foods direct from the producer, particularly in this economic downturn."