Awards 2009 Home

NEWS RELEASE: MOSELEY FARMERS' MARKET IS NATIONAL AWARD WINNER

David Isgrove (Moseley)

Moseley farmers' market has been declared the National Urban Farmers' Market of the Year. The title comes from The National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) who certify farmers' markets across the UK, ensuring 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 felt Moseley farmers' market to be an exemplary, community focused event. It is large and lively, regularly featuring more than 50 producers selling some excellent quality produce, and has become a monthly meeting point for an average 5,000 people in Birmingham's innercity suburbs.

The farmers' market operates as a voluntary-run Community Interest Group (CIC). The structure ensures that all profits from the market are given back to the local people, through investing in projects such as Moseley-in-bloom, local art displays and the 'music in the park' festival. Such campaigns are also promoted at the market.

Environmental issues are a priority. SusMo is a campaign launched last year by the market in collaboration with other community groups and local politicians to promote personal and community action for a more sustainable Moseley. The project has reduced the number of plastic bags at the market, increased awareness of recycling and energy use, and seen more customers coming on foot or by bike.

David Isgrove, Moseley farmers' market manager, said 'This would not have been possible without the support of the whole community of Moseley and we should all be very proud to have been given the highest award possible for a Farmers' Market. It has taken 11 years since my wife and I had the idea of starting a farmers' market in Moseley and over 9 years since the first 7 farmers came to Moseley wondering if they were daft and it would work. We have proved that working together we can achieve far more than we would ever have thought possible. Well done Moseley!'

Sue Thomson, Quality Standards Manager for FARMA, commented, "Moseley is a fantastically lively and bustling farmers' market. It brings together fine food, a number of groups from the surrounding community and local businesses: a remarkable achievement."

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For more information:
Moseley Farmers' Market, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8BJ
Contact: Mr David Isgrove Tel: 0121 449 3156

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.