Many thanks to all those who made it to Farm & More last week - It was great to see so many new as well as familiar faces.

We hope you had an enjoyable and productive time - do let us know what you thought, and if you've any requests for next year. We are looking into dates and venues now and will let you know both on the website and through the e-news shortly.

Amendment to Trade Show Guide
We had a great trade show, with some good feedback from both visitors and exhibitors alike. If you are interested in exhibiting next year or know someone who might be, do let us know.

Please note that the Burtree Puddings listing in the Trade Show Guide had incorrect contact details. Anyone wishing to contact Lea Darling (who was at the show) about her yummy award-winning puds, can visit the website at http://www.burtreepuddings.co.uk or call 01325 463521  or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kiplingcotes Farm at Dalton Holme, Beverley, East Yorkshire, which trades as http://www.threelittlepigsonline.co.uk and at farmers’ markets in the region, is the first farmers’ market stallholder in the UK to earn a ‘Genuine Own’ (GO) badge under the new Verified Producer standard from FARMA.

The verification is based on a professional, independent assessment of the scale of the farming business and its potential output, as well as the overall standard of animal welfare. Kiplingcotes Farm, owned by Jonathan Clarkson, passed with flying colours on all aspects of the inspection.

Jonathan Clarkson said, ‘I was delighted to take part in the producer verification scheme, which was very thorough yet supportive, and I look forward to using the ‘Genuine Own’ badge. I hope that I will be the first of many to use it as it is vital for consumers to be able to trust stallholders – and farmers trading on-line – and know for sure that they are buying foods that genuinely come from our own farms. So far they have had to take our word for it, or take the trouble to come and see us. Now there is a distinctive logo to look out for that only genuine producers will be able to use and which rewards the hard work that takes place on the farm before we come to the market.’

FARMA is encouraging others to take up the scheme from January 2010.  Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary commented, ‘Three Little Pigs at Kiplingcotes Farm is a perfect example of the businesses we want to support with the Genuine Own scheme. We have been Certifying farmers’ markets as retail units for some time; this new scheme ensures that customer confidence in farmers’ markets is well-founded and rewards hard-working farmers and growers with a real seal of approval.’

The finalists of the 2010 FARMA Awards have been announced!

Thank you to everyone who entered the awards this year - we received over 80 entries, all examplifying the high standard, hard work and passion that continues to drive farm retailing in the UK.

Well done to all those who made the finals, and all the best for the next round of judging.

The final winners will be announced at Farm & More, the FARMA National conference, on 26 January 2010.

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