Allotment co-ops for farmers markets

21 February 2001



Allotment co-ops for farmers’ markets

By FWi staff

LONDON farmers markets are relaxing rules requiring that growers sell their own produce in a move to allow allotment co-operatives to set up stall.

The Association of London Farmers Markets says it is impractical for a dozen or so producers to each attend to sell a small individual amount of produce.

Instead local producers, whose revenue goes back to allotment groups, can band together and have some members sell everyones produce.

Spokesperson Cheryl Cohen denied this was an attempt to marginalise farmers who sell their wares at London farmers markets.

Its not about that,” she insisted. “This is about trying to encourage local growers and offer local food, which is good for links with the community.

She pointed out that the association currently only had one allotment grower among the 15-20 produce-sellers at each of its seven markets.

Ms Cohen said small growers were sometimes able to respond more easily to demand for niche products such as older varieties.

The National Association of Farmers Markets already allows producer co-operatives to be agreed as principal producers on a case by case basis.