Retailing Farmers Are Encouraged To Diversify

Farmers who invite the public onto their farms are being encouraged to diversify further by the National Farmers Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). FARMA has teamed up with Attractions Expo at this years Leisure Industry Week (LIW), where they will be demonstrating the success that can be had from adding a range of attractions to farms.

FARMA will showcase a range of member farmers who are selling their produce in farm shops and farmers markets, adding attractions like farm trails, maize mazes and rides. This activity has been successful in encouraging customers to spend more time on the farm, which is likely to increase average spend.

Its becoming clear that people are staying at home this summer during the economic downturn and the opportunity for farmers to create a family-friendly destination has never been greater, said Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary.

We are keen to show how attractions, linked with good food, can add and broaden lasting consumer appeal. Some attractions are also income-streams in themselves through charging a ticket price or other fee for participation. We are delighted to be involved with LIW and we hope to get lots of farm retailers along so that they can see how attractions, which can be quite simple and inexpensive but have to be well done, can help to build business.

Rita Exner added that many of FARMAs 700 members are already trying out new ways to encourage people to visit their shops and will showcase some of their success stories at the show.