Awards 2009 Home

NEWS RELEASE: BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET DECLARED WINNER AT NATIONAL AWARDS

Margaret Price (Brigg)

Brigg farmers' market is been awarded the title of National Rural Farmers' Market of the Year. The award comes from The National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA), who certify farmers' markets across the UK to ensure that all the produce is sold by the producers who make it themselves locally. The decision was announced on Tuesday 11 November at the FARMA national conference in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The judges were impressed that within just eight years of trading, Brigg farmers' market has revitalized the heart of this picturesque town centre, working across the community to establish a far-reaching reputation for quality and local foods.

Since the monthly farmers' market was created in 2000 by the North Lincolnshire Council, the number of weekend visitors to Brigg has grown to 5,000, with people coming from across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Local butchers, grocers and independent retailers are thriving and food from the market can be found in local restaurants and hotels, making Brigg a must-visit foodie destination.

Sue Thomson, Quality Standards Manager at FARMA, commented, "Brigg is a stunning market, situated in an old town square with beautifully presented stalls selling excellent produce. It's a bit of a Cinderella story - the small unknown town turned foodie destination, but it has won the hearts of the people through great food, pride in its presentation, friendly and informative producers, and a commitment to its roots in the local community."

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For more information:
Brigg Farmers' Market, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 8ER
Contact: Mrs Margaret Price Tel: 01724 297356
www.northlincs.gov.uk
margaret.price@northlincs.gov.uk

FARMA, Rita Exner or Gareth Jones: 0845 45 88 420 www.farma.org.uk

Notes to Editors:
The National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) is a 700-strong farmer-owned co-operative that represents and supports direct sales to the consumer in all its forms: farm shops, pick-your-own farms, farmers' markets, box schemes and internet sales.
It sets standards for farmers' markets with an independent inspection and Certification mark to ensure that they are genuine farmers' markets; and works to improve retailing and marketing skills throughout the industry. The FARMA Awards have been running since 2002.