The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2021 - Issue 77 | Page 5

FARM NEWS 5
• OCT / NOV 2021
FARM NEWS 5

FARM SHOP SURVEY

An extensive project which aims to discover the true value of Britain ’ s farm shops to the nation has been launched by the Farm Retail Association and Harper Adams University .
THE project – which is being backed by researchers in Harper Adams ’ recently-created Food , Land and Agri-Business Management department – will seek to discover the impact farm shops have not only with their local communities , farmers and suppliers , but also upon the wider economy and the UK ’ s rural landscape .
It is estimated that there are well over 1,000 premises up and down the country which would fall under the definition of farm shop – though the research will aim to clarify this as it seeks to build a clearer picture of the sector .
It will also draw upon the views of Farm Retail Association members , who have been sent
a asking them for their views on the sector , its impact , and more .
It is anticipated that the survey results will be released in spring next year .
Senior Lecturer in Food Retail and Marketing , Alastair Boot , is among the team at Harper Adams University , the UK ’ s leading specialist university for
the agri-food and rural business sectors , who will be conducting the research .
He said : “ We know that farm shops are valued – both by the retail and agricultural sectors , and by the communities they serve .
“ Many of us will have a favourite farm shop in our area , for instance – and there ’ s been some evidence over the past 18 months that , as we all strove to stay local , retail patterns have changed – with a growing appetite for British farm shops .
“ However , there is a need to build up a picture of the sector as a whole and its impact across the country – and this is where our research , commissioned by the Farm
Retail Association , will come in . Once we develop that clearer understating , it can be used to make the case for the nation ’ s existing farm shops , and to help develop the sector further .”
Chairman Rob Copley said : “ This is the biggest research project that the FRA has ever undertaken , and the results will fly the flag for our industry .
“ We are encouraging all farm retailers to take part in this nation-wide survey to get a clear picture of what our sector is worth to the economy and reflecting the vital role our farm retailers play in communities . This will then help not only promote farm retailers but also support those businesses with planning application and funding bids .”

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