THE number of farmers markets across the UK has increased by 25pc in the past six months.
The newest market to open was at Brighton, on September 24, a one-off laid on for the Labour Party conference at which 20 local producers laid on a spread of British food, from hog roast to beer.
National Farmers' Union president Ben Gill said: "No one who visits a farmers market like this can fail to be impressed by the initiative and innovation of Britain's agriculture industry. It demonstrates to the public - and the Government - that farmers are not taking the current crisis lying down. They are fighting for their survival in a host of ways.
An NFU survey in May showed there were 200 farmers markets around the country, with an annual turnover of £65m. Since then, another 50 have been started.
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