Page 14 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2023

Country Markets Limited is the umbrella organisation under which there are 49 regional societies. Country Markets are not- for-profit Co-operative Social Enterprises and the umbrella organisation Country Markets Limited. Each regional Country Market Society are companies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 2014. In order to be a producer and have the right to bring things to sell at the market you have to become a shareholder (member) of the Society which is open to anyone over the age of 16 and hold one share at 5 pence (that’s right, five pence which is a one-off payment, a bargain!).
You can in fact join several regional societies and join them as a shareholder, paying 5p so that you are able to sell at any Country Markets within that Society.
THE HANDBOOK
If you do become a producer, you must abide by the members handbook which is there to make sure that markets do not fall foul of trading standards and food safety rules and regulations and to make sure each market presents a similar ‘corporate’ face to the public.
There are sections on each of the types of produce that can be sold which gives easy to follow guidance. Topics covered include what can and cannot be sold, labelling, packaging and standards required of production of items and cleanliness. The handbook also gives guidance on whether an individual producer must register with any official body, for example, if selling eggs or if making cooked items.
HOW DO I BECOME A PRODUCER?
If you wish to become a producer for Country Markets first of all see if there is a Country Market near to you. To do this go to www.country-markets.co.uk and
enter your postcode in the ‘Find a Market’ box. This will bring up a map showing the Country Markets in your area. If you click on any market, you can get details of when it is open, where it is held and contact details. The best thing to do is to visit any markets within a small radius of where you live (not too far as some open early!) and have a look at what they are selling and what their customers are like. Every market has a ‘market manager’ and if you have a chat with them, they will be able to give you more details about that particular market, what sells well, what items they are short
of etc. As a member you can sell produce at more than one market in your regional Society. Most markets are open once a week for between one and five hours. Some markets close for the winter period.
Some markets also have their own websites which give more information on that particular market such as the type of goods you can find for sale there.
If you like what you see you can apply
to become a member which means filling in a simple application form. You have to
be approved by the Market Society before you officially become a member, but that is often a formality. You may have to do some other preparation before starting to take things in to sell such as purchasing proper packaging and preparing correct labels. There is a comprehensive label programme offering free training by booking an appointment with the national Chesterfield office.
As a producing member you are expected to be available to help at the market you take produce to, but the level of commitment required will depend on how many other regular helpers there are, the type of produce you take and the frequency with which you take goods to sell. The minimum commitment would be to deliver
your items duly labelled with an invoice to the market before it opens to the public and collecting unsold items at the end.
The beauty of it is that you do not necessarily have to produce a minimum quantity of things or every week, although you can if you have the time and the inclination. You also have no financial risk as you are only paid for what you sell, and the small commission deducted means the market covers its costs without you having to pay anything out.
Most markets will have like-minded producers willing to give advice on growing, food production, smallholding etc. so it can be a useful social occasion as well. Customers are very appreciative of finding a source of local produce, food and goods and there is nothing better than a customer saying how much they enjoyed your cooking, vegetables or whatever it might be!
If you like the sound of Country Markets but there is no market near enough, then you could consider enquiring of your region or nearest market whether they would
be interested in providing assistance to open a new market in your nearest town. Do you think there is a demand in your area for home produced items that is currently not fulfilled? Are there suitable premises available in a good location? Do you feel there would be enough potential producers? If the answer to these is ‘yes,’ then opening a new market is a good solution. You will be offered a grant from Country Markets Limited to buy initial equipment and supplies. More information is available from Country Markets Limited.
Photos courtesy of W Lambourne. For more information see www.country-markets.co.uk
14 Simply Vegetables