News from Scottish Farmers' Markets

Falkirk Farmers' Markets relaunches
on Friday July 2

Falkirk Farmers' Market relaunches this Friday, July 2nd, and will now be held on the First Friday of the month. Expect all your usual favourte producers in this vibrant town centre. For more details, see www.falkirkbid.com.

Help celebrate 10 years of Farmers' Markets at Haddington
on Saturday April 24

Haddington Farmers’ first market commenced on a sunny Saturday morning in April 2000 with a great variety of stalls, quality produce and friendly, cheerful stallholders.

Ten years on Haddington Farmers’ Market has grown, not only with its reputation for excellent produce and variety of stalls, but in its standing within the community of East Lothian and Scotland.

East Lothian has a rich history of local produce. Luckily many of us are now starting to appreciate the delicacies provided by our farmers. As well as being fresher for not having travelled miles from field to fork, many of these foods are firmly rooted in their locality, telling a story about the landscape and the farmers who produce them.

Produce from Haddington Farmers’ Market comes from artisan farms that concentrate on quality, tradition and flavour. The best of cheeses, honey, ice cream, tomatoes and vegetables, combined with farmhouse baking, jams and preserves. Not forgetting cider, liqueurs, apple juice, raspberry and blaeberry bouvrage, cream, butter and handmade crafts from soaps to floral planters. It’s all there at Haddington Farmers’ Market just waiting to be discovered by you.

A gift of food and beverage from Haddington Farmers’ Market is special, not only because of its widely recognised reputation, but also for the rare quality of its produce. Friendly advice, recipes and memorable tastes are all part and parcel of Haddington Farmers’ Market. Situated in a pedestrian area on Court Street, Haddington, with good parking close by, Haddington Farmers’ Market can truly be said to be one of the best small markets in Scotland operating from 9am – 1pm.

Described as one of the most atmospheric markets in Scotland. Cooking demonstrations, free tastings and live music from Haddington Pipe Band all add to the enjoyment of this busy market with up to twenty-five stallholders. For our tenth birthday we are holding a favourite recipe competition, where we invite you to submit your favourite recipe at the market on Saturday 24 April. The lucky winner, will receive a special prize, plus the winning recipe will be included in Haddington Farmers’ Market’s very own recipe book, on our website and if the recipe permits, will be part be the cooking demonstration at a later market.

Haddington Farmers’ Market has qualified to become a member of a new quality assurance scheme for similar events across Scotland. The new accreditation scheme, launched by VisitScotland and Eat Scotland, underlines the importance of farmers markets to tourism and it’s hoped Haddington’s inclusion will draw more tourists to the county.

Haddington Farmers’ Market is a great community attraction, an excellent showcase for local produce where you can obtain a wide range of first-class produce and first hand tips and guidance. It is also a great social occasion where customers can interact with farmers and meet friends.

As time has gone on producers have been encouraged to add value to many of their products and in so doing creating a diverse range of new products. Recipes and first hand cooking knowledge is freely given, as are tasters. Haddington on market days is a busy place with visiting buyers and local inhabitants swelling the local economy and enjoying the many delights of East Lothian.

Go on! Experience Haddington Farmers’ Market in Court Street, Haddington, the last Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm. You won’t be disappointed and there is ample car parking.

For further information on Haddington Farmers’ Market contact Pauline Jaffray, 01368 863593

The Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets has produced a superb bag for life which will be available from Farmers' Markets throughout Scotland.

Joint News Release issued on behalf of:

Date : 3 March 2010
Contact : Wendy Irwin
Telephone : 0131 472 4020

The first meeting of the Scottish Farmers’ Market Partnership (SFMP) was held today (3 March) at the Rural Centre, Ingliston and was addressed by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and The Environment Richard Lochhead MSP. 

Attending organisations and groups involved in farmers’ markets in Scotland were invited to join a cross-sectoral Industry Steering Group (ISG). This group will oversee the SFMP project, deciding what shape the partnership will take moving forward as well as setting policy and priorities.

This aim of this new partnership is to promote, support and build capacity for farmers’ markets in Scotland on a sustainable basis. An initial 3-year funding package of £120k has been awarded from Scottish Government, in collaboration with industry partners, through a number of sources including Scottish Government Core Grants, private sector contributions, and the SRDP. These funds will not only help to develop and grow farmers’ markets around the country, but will ensure that efforts across groups are co-ordinated, and that opportunities to save costs through collaboration are maximised. 

In addition, a further £97k has been made available to support the Farmers’ Market sector with a Support Coordinator’s post, access to marketing research services and funding to assist the sector to promote itself more effectively. The Support Coordinator will provide advice and support to individual farmers’ markets at an operational level and deliver a communication and promotional strategy for the wider sector. 

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:

“The popularity of farmers’ markets has grown rapidly in recent years, in tandem with more Scots taking an interest in where their food comes from and a desire to buy local produce. They are an integral part of our work to boost Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink.

“This group has the potential to help farmers’ markets strengthen their position among Scottish consumers, and, together with the launch of the Eat Fresh, Eat Seasonal campaign, increase awareness of the many benefits of buying local.”

The meeting today gave everyone a chance to hear the outline of the project, the strategic development priorities, the marketing and promotion plan, and the information/communications plan. Attendees were given the opportunity to discuss, advise and feed in suggestions around these points.

Douglas Watson, National Development Officer for the SFMP said:

“The project will comprise three core strands of activity: strategic development work; marketing and promotion; and communication, information and advice. The intention is to provide as much practical support as possible where resources allow, building on the positive, collaborative, and co-operative working practices that have been developed since the first farmers’ market in Scotland was held in Perth in 1999. The development and implementation of the SFMP project will provide a strong platform for the expansion and development of farmers' markets in Scotland for the future”

Notes to Editors
Financial assistance for individual farmers’ markets will continue to be available outwith the project through SRDP, Leader and other grant providers.

The project will be managed on a day-to-day basis by the Partnership Management Group (PMG) consisting of SAFM , SAOS , SAC , SFQC , NFUS , FARMA all of whom are making significant contributions from their own resources. All members of the PMG will be represented on the ISG.

Douglas Watson of SAOS has filled the National Development Officer’s role as an extension of his current role in farmers’ markets. If you require any further information on the Partnership, please contact Douglas Watson on T 01997 421753 or E douglas.watson@saos.co.uk

Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets
Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society
Scottish Agricultural College
Scottish Food Quality Certification
National Farmers’ Union of Scotland
Farm Retail & Markets Association

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

SAFM Easter Market info 2010

If you want fresh healthy food for your kids then come and visit Edinburgh Farmers' Market every Saturday throughout the year.  With over 60 specialist producers offering homegrown produce from across the country Edinburgh Farmers’ Market is widely acknowledged as the premier market in Scotland.  The market takes place on Castle Terrace under the dramatic skyline of Edinburgh Castle, from 9am - 2pm and is next to a car park.

There is a special Easter Market on Saturday 3rd April with face and Ostrich egg painting and treasure hunt with prizes. There are also regular cooking demonstration with slow food on the 1st Saturday of the month.

For more information about Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, including a location map and full list of producers, please visit www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com or e-mail info@essentialedinburgh.co.uk