Lockdown brings welcome 'surge' to local farm shops

With produce at one point scarce on supermarket shelves and people much more aware of how far their food has travelled during the pandemic, research from the Farm Retail Association (FRA) shows many have turned to the network of independent farm shops for food and cupboard essentials.

In its survey, the FRA, which is chaired by Pontefract farmer Rob Copley and managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, found following seven weeks of lockdown rules, 92 per cent of farm retailers reported a “significant” rise in the number of new customers.

“What the last couple of months have clearly shown is that farm retailers can react nimbly to customer demands because of their size, independence and direct relationships with local farmers,” said Mr Copley, who owns Farmer Copley’s Farm Shop.

“They have also shown that they are proactive, supportive members of their local communities.

“We have members who prepare and deliver ready meals to local community groups that support the most vulnerable members of society.

“Others are donating produce to local school hubs, front-line NHS staff and other key workers.

“As well as going above and beyond in this time of crisis, farm retailers are helping to keep the nation fed, offering easy access to fresh, nutritious and affordable British food.

“They are demonstrating that they are both caring neighbours and viable alternatives to the supermarkets, boasting shorter supply chains with lower carbon footprints.”

But Mr Copley said the challenge for farm shops as life slowly returns to some form of normality over the coming months, is to ensure that customers keep coming back.

However, he is adamant that farm shops are well worth such lasting loyalty.

He said: “Run by local families for local families, supporting local farmers and local jobs, farm shops are at the beating heart of communities across the country.

“We just hope customers keep coming back to support them and local farmers for years to come.”