GO! and GOAL are the new Producer and Farm Shop verification schemes from FARMA now being rolled out across the UK, and are open to all FARMA members.

More information will be with you in the post later this week, along with an update of FARMA offers and promotions.

Both Go and GOAL have been developed with the help of a DEFRA grant. They aim to strengthen the farm retail sector and build consumer confidence by recognising and protecting stallholders selling their own produce, and farm shops selling owngrown, homemade, and locally produced foods.

The schemes are a useful marketing tool; already attracting national media interest, and in a world where the supermarkets would have us believe the food comes straight off a tractor into their stores, the logos emphasise the authenticity and individuality of the farm retail sector.

If you would like to go for GO! or GOAL or want more information, please email Sue This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CherryAid
Saturday 17 July
CherryAid, a campaign from FoodLoversBritain.com, is now in its third year and continues to go from strength to strength. If you have a Cherry orchard, produce a Cherry based product or are running a Cherry event and would like it featured on the website, please email Sarah on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

On National Cherry Day – Saturday July 17 - a new FoodLovers Market in Rupert Street, Soho, London will be uppping the cherries! So if you would like to take a stall or want to know more  please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Local Loaves for Lammas
31 July - 1 August

Last year the Real Bread Campaign, funded by Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme, launched Local Loaves for Lammas, which encourages people to celebrate this ancient harvest festival by baking or buying a local loaf.  

An unofficial cheese rolling race has been held in Gloucestershire after the famous annual event was cancelled because of safety concerns.

Around 30 people pursued the local cheese down a hill, doing equally as many somersaults.

See the chase in action! 

There's still two months to go before the closing date for the FARMA Awards 2011 entries, but its amazing how quickly time disappears once the summer season kicks in. For PYO farmers, the judges will start visiting in July, so the sooner you get your form in the better!

Remember you can download the forms from the FARMA website, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call the office on 0845 45 88 420 for a copy.

You've got to be in it to win it!

Wareings of Tarleton, Lancashire, owned by Clive and Debbie Wareing, has been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Retailer of the Year at the Re:fresh Awards.

The Re:fresh Awards are run by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), the UK’s trade association for the fresh produce and cut flower industry, and the leading trade magazine, The Fresh Produce Journal.

The criteria for the Re:fresh Independent Retailer of the Year are to demonstrate active cooperation with the supply base to achieve business goals, a passion for fresh produce and a focus on healthy eating promotions. The Wareings grow and sell fresh vegetables at farmers’ markets across Lancashire and are part of the Authentic Lancashire Foods (ALF) co-operative of producers. The Wareings plan to work towards FARMA’s new GO standard for genuine producers this year.

Congratulations also goes to Rebecca Dawson of Tozer Seeds, who scooped the Re:Fresh MorePeople Young Person of the Year Award. Tozer Seeds is a longterm Associate member and supporter of FARMA, and our best wishes go to Rebecca.

18 September - 8 October
Yes, it might only be May, but publicity for one of the UK's largest food promotions is already building.
Check out the website for more details, to register your event, and to find out how BFF could benefit your business.