The National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) has reported a slow take up of its certification scheme due to the recession and is urging producers and farm shops to get on board to improve the industry.
FARMA’s new Genuine Own (GO) producer verification and Genuine Own And Local (GOAL) farm shop certification were launched in May this year, having been two years in development working with NSF-CMi Certification to ensure a robust inspection backs the claim of own production and local sourcing.
Take up of GO and GOAL has been slower than expected because of the economic downturn which has affected most retailers in the UK this year, according to FARMA managing agent Gareth Jones.
“There is huge support among farmers’ market organisers and management groups for Genuine Own producer verification,” said Jones.
At a recent meeting of farmers’ market representatives it was agreed that, while it was still important for market managers to visit stallholder premises where possible, GO producer verification removed the burden of proof from their shoulders.
Jones said the standard also provides an independent, authoritative badge for stallholders - and online retailers - “something they simply don’t have at present, backing up consumer trust”.
Jones added: “Those who have participated have found the branding of their own production valuable, being able to use the logo on their labelling, for example. The number of stallholders and farm shops currently verified is short of our targets but we believe GO and GOAL will become industry-standards in time as farmers’ markets organisers, stallholders and farm shops realise their powerful potential. We’re optimistic that the numbers will grow significantly and could embrace other outlets where strong local food claims are made.”
There is now estimated to be around 4,000 farm shops in the UK, a larger group of outlets than the big four supermarkets combined.
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