A charity bike ride taking place this September, from John O'Groats to Lands End (a JOGLE, to use the acronym), will be fuelled by local foods along its route.

The ride is in aid of What's Driving Parkinson's and the lead cyclist, James Bowthorpe, beat the world record for cycling around the world while fundraising for the same organisation.

The ride involves 35 cyclists at present, starting on 5 September and finishing on 12 September. You can view the route on www.jogle2010.org which shows the loations to be covered each day, such as Perth, Uttoxeter and Lichfield among many others. 

Organiser, Amy Wright says she is looking for great places to stop for lunch and dinner - farm shops, farmers' markets, pubs and cafes -  where food from local farms is served or can be cooked.  There's a chef as part of the Jogle team - and they would also be grateful to have offers of campsites or other accommodation possibilities.  What's in it for you, apart from feel-good? There could be some good media coverage of the stops, with the food adding an extra dimension to the story.  The plan is to make this an annual event.

Contact Amy Wright on 07905 283040 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Getting permission for signage to direct people to your farmers’ market, farm shop or farm park, that is clear enough and doesn’t cost your profit margin for the year, is not an uncommon challenge for FARMA members.

The Telegraph last weekend featured a piece about the issue, particularly focusing on farmers’ markets.

FARMA is working with other organisations to campaign for legislation that prohibits the advertisement of farmers’ markets to be changed and updated as part of the new Government’s drive to get rid of ‘outdated’ laws and promote the ‘Big Society’.

This is something we should all get behind as it could have an impact for everyone in direct sales at some time, and change is long overdue.
To sign up, click here and register with the petition site and leave your comment.

FARMA is delighted to be a Supporter of 'A Garden Party to make a Difference' in London, part of the national 'Start' initiative launched by the Prince of Wales to celebrate and promote sustainable living.

The event is a 12 day Festival, 8 -19 September, of inspiring ideas, food, fashion, and music, plus lots more, with the purpose of showing everyone how they make can make a real difference to the future of our planet.

In the food area FARMA will be hosting a farmers' market of stallholders from certified farmers' markets and, alongside local and big name chefs, we will be showcasing why buying seasonal food from local producers and retailers is a delicious and easy way to a greener lifestyle.

Visitors will be able to find out more about finding local foods in their region, and sample and take home an impressive range of products every day, including breads, cheeses, cakes, salads, meat, beer, wine, and more unusual offerings such as curries and hot chocolate dipped fruit.

Visit the event website for more information and to buy tickets. Or if you are interested in taking a stand in the farmers' market, please contact Laura This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FINAL FEW SPACES LEFT!!! PLEASE CALL 0845 45 88 420 if you are interested in taking a stand.

14th October 2010 at the County Cricket Club, Taunton

Jim Paice, the new Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, has agreed to be the Speaker at a Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Somerset Branch, at 12.30 pm at the County Cricket Club on Thursday 14 October, and the trust would like to extend the invitation to FARMA members.

“The new Government's commitment to agriculture and the countryside is obviously a matter of great interest and importance to us in the West Country, with our large range of businesses linked to farming and country pursuits. At the lunch Jim Paice will present the Government’s plans to support farming and the countryside. He will also take questions at the end.

Tickets are £25 each and the tables seat 10.

If you have any questions or would like to book a place, please contact Ian Haddon on 01984 629009 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it