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FARMERS' MARKET FACT FINDING

Jenny Barraclough from Capel-le-Ferne who won the farmers’ market of the year award last year for the Capel farmers' market, will be speaking at a fact finding conference for farmers' markets at County Hall Maidstone.

Shoppers and stallholders can give their views of Kent’s 20-plus farmers’ markets at their annual conference next Monday 7 March.

Workshops will be held from 2pm to give stallholders, organisers and consumers the opportunity to talk about the way forward.

Kent County Council’s Produced in Kent initiative is issuing an open invitation to everyone who attends farmers’ markets to come and join in the discussions at County Hall, Maidstone, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Topics will cover many aspects including public perception of the markets, the involvement of farmers, growers and producers, support for organisers, health and safety criteria, legal matters, and the expansion and promotion of markets.

KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration Alex King said: “Farmers’ markets are important for Kent’s rural economy and way of life. The county council wants as many people as possible to attend to build a detailed picture so that we can help them in future.�

Anyone who would like to attend the conference should contact Produced in Kent Manager Rob Weaver on 01622 221928.