About the Kent Farmers' Market Association

The Association was formed in 2007 following a project carried out by the Kent Business School which found that growth in the Farmers Market economy was faltering because:-

• Market Managers had little experience in the food retail business, marketing and social media.

• The sector was highly fragmented, 

• There was no general promotion and awareness of a Farmers' Markets ‘brand’. 

The Association was then formed to promote and support Farmers Market Managers. It was and still is run by volunteers and is a 'not for profit' organisation and based on the premise that by co-operating together we can be far stronger than the individual parts.

Later the Association opened Membership up to include the Producers, the key drivers of sucessful markets.

The main objectives of Farmers Markets are to:-

• provide local communities with locations where they can purchase local produce

• provide small food and drink producers with locations to sell their produce and meet customers

Over the years this has also resulted in our Markets now providing:-

• a focal point for the local community to meet and shop.

• a boost for the local economy by keeping the money spent cirulating within it.

• many outlets throughout the county (and nearby counties) which is enabling small prodiucers to build their businesses

The Association has played a key role in achieving these objectives by developing a web platform aimed at both customers, (by promoting Markets and Producers) and at Producers and Managers, (by offering Advice and Guidance as to how to build their businesses).

The web site displays for potential customers ,the location of Farmers Markets, their opening times, directions and parking information as well as a listing of Producers attending each market. It also incorporates 'Advice and Guidance',and offers cost cutting opportunities to help those starting up a market and those wanting to start and grow their food business.

FUTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The platform has now grown become a comprehensive guide as to where shoppers and visitors alike can find local producers of food and drink in the south east. We see our role widening to providing more information about locally produced food and drink, where it can be found and how to make the best of it.

Our approach is to provide Food maps by categories of produce showing the location of the Producers aiding shoppers and tourists to visit the locations where the produce is sold, grown/made and links to on line purchasing methods. In addition the platform incudes a comprehensive 'What's in Season' section, a 'Market Calendar' 'a Food and Drink Events Calendar'. We are presently working on an 'Opportunities' programme to enable Producers find new outlets for their produce, Markets to find new producers. We are very keen on promoting local food in differnet ways and we are currently working on a series defing seasonal recipes using local produce which we be requsting input from individuals, schools, local organistaions and local chefs.

The Association itself does not sell produce to consumers but simply offer guidance as to where to find local produce and incorporates links to the local producers own web site

The web site now:-

• incorporates Producer and rural Retail Outlet information maps(*)

• incorporates information regarding the health and economic benefits of eating local food in season and reducing food miles

• makes best use of Producer members’ time and money through use of standard web design templates and social media marketing.

• encourages best practice, by helping managers and producers improve standards and offers information about Food Regulations. 

• helps Producers find new retail outlets for their produce and thus help them grow their businesses, 

• helps local food retail outlets find new local Producers

• advises both Markets and small Producers how to take first steps and build for the future, 

• provides Supplier discounts to Association members

(*) this activity is ongoing and more maps will be produced in future

We also offer Membership to Farmers Markets located outside of Kent so that they can also benefit from the work of the Association (e.g Insurance, suppliers and web site information). 

The Association is financed by subscriptions and have been recipients of help from help from sponsors and grants.

The KFMA Board -

Bob Taylor Chairman

Steve Woods Vice Chairma

Laura-May Barber Treasurer and Membership

Mark Esdale IT

Howard Porter Design

Bruce McMichael Editor, articles

Annette Lebreton Food/Market/Local Authority Regulations

We are always looking for new members for our team especially if you have specialist knowledge which can be of use by others.

Data Protection

Kent Farmers' Market Association collects data in order to keep our traders, market managers and shoppers informed about local food in Kent. A full statement of our data policy can be read here. You have the right to view and amend the data we hold on you or be removed from our database entirely.

Please CONTACT US on [email protected] for more information.