Why We Should Support Our Local Food Markets – Especially the Ones Steeped in Centuries of History

In an age of online convenience and sprawling supermarkets, it's easy to overlook the humble local market. 

But behind the bustle of market stalls and the scent of fresh produce lies something far more meaningful: history, community, and a sustainable way of life. 

Many of our local markets, especially those that have stood for hundreds of years, are not just places to shop – they are living pieces of our cultural heritage.

A Legacy Worth Preserving

Markets like Borough Market in London, which dates back to at least the 12th century, or Norwich Market, which has traded in some form since the Norman Conquest, are more than mere retail spaces. 

These institutions have witnessed generations of change, survived wars, plagues, and political upheaval – all while serving as community hubs. Supporting them helps preserve this legacy for future generations. Every purchase contributes to keeping that heritage alive, ensuring the market doesn't become another relic of the past.

Supporting Independent Traders and Local Economies

When you buy from a local market, you're not lining the pockets of large corporations – you're supporting independent traders, family-run businesses, and skilled artisans. These are the people who bring character and soul to our high streets. Local spending has a ripple effect; money spent in your community is more likely to stay there, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

Sustainability in Action

Markets promote sustainability. Many traders source their products locally, cutting down on transport emissions and packaging waste. Shopping seasonally – something markets naturally encourage – also reduces environmental impact and helps us reconnect with the rhythms of the year. Plus, you're far less likely to be saddled with unnecessary plastic or over-processed foods.

A Richer Shopping Experience

There’s a world of difference between browsing a supermarket aisle and exploring a local market. Markets offer a sensory experience – the vibrant colours of fresh produce, the enticing aromas from food stalls, the chatter of traders who know their products inside and out. You can ask for advice, learn where your food comes from, and discover unique items you won’t find anywhere else.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Local markets are social spaces. They foster human connection in a way that online shopping simply cannot. Whether it’s chatting with a regular stallholder, bumping into neighbours, or attending seasonal events and festivals, markets help cultivate a sense of belonging. In many towns and cities, the market square is still the beating heart of the community.

What We Lose If We Don’t Support Them

When a local market closes, we don’t just lose stalls – we lose stories, livelihoods, and pieces of our identity. It's a loss that can't be replaced by another supermarket chain or retail park. Once these historical markets are gone, they rarely return. That’s why our support today is crucial.

In Conclusion

Supporting your local market is a small act with big consequences. It helps preserve history, sustain local economies, reduce environmental impact, and bring communities together. The next time you’re tempted by the convenience of a big brand, consider making a detour to your local market instead. 

New survey finds Scottish farmer and crofter wellbeing at a low point

Alix Ritchie, Farmstrong Scotland's Programme Director 

A new survey, undertaken by the agricultural wellbeing charity, Farmstrong Scotland, has learned that farmer and crofter wellbeing is lower than the Scottish population. 

Over one-third of respondents fell into the low wellbeing category, when compared to the most recent Scottish Health Survey (2023). 

What's more, the 569 respondents demonstrated that, broadly, their wellbeing increased with age, with young respondents reporting the lower scores. 

The sample, which was undertaken for the charity by an independent research agency and evenly split between men and women, received representation from every region in Scotland, and provided a similar profile to the 2024 Agricultural Census.

 To give a more typical reflection of the agricultural sector, the results were weighed against the data collected in the Census.  

Whilst 26% felt their ability to cope with the ups and downs of farming has become worse in the last year, 21% felt it had got better, with taking time to notice the small things, learning something new and helping other farmers and crofters all cited as positive impacts.  

The amount and quality of sleep, and the balance between work and leisure, were identified as two areas that had significantly declined over the last year, with respondents to the survey looking for advice on how to manage their tiredness, fatigue, sleep and stress.  

Commenting on the importance of the survey, Farmstrong Programme Director, Alix Ritchie, said: “This survey is vital for the future development of Farmstrong Scotland. The findings, alongside the foundation research back in 2018, and future surveys will inform the development of the programme, and ensure that services are tailored to meet the needs of the Scottish agricultural and crofting community. " 

Alix went on to say: “We've already begun this work, and just last month published a new resource that offers guidance for better sleep, a dedicated webinar and podcast, all supported by our wellbeing expert partners and the UK’s longest-standing sleep charity, Sleep Action.” 

The impact of scientifically backed resources, and story-led content produced by Farmstrong was identified in the survey, with 62% of those who had engaged with the programme, reporting a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. 

One significant resource was the stress management guidance, which found 93% of those who had downloaded it cited a positive impact upon themselves. Other noticeable elements were the farmer stories, Blether Together podcast series, and the walk and talk events. 

“I would like to express my thanks, on behalf of the wider Farmstrong team, to all those who completed the survey, promoted it and shared it with their wider networks. These results are key for the future of the charity, ensuring we grow, develop and secure fundraising so we can continue to support farmer and crofter wellbeing in Scotland, Alix concluded.

To find out more or read the full summary report, click here: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/new-survey-finds-scottish-farmer-and-crofter-wellbeing-at-a-low

More information about Farmstrong can be found at www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk 

That's Food and Drink is carrying this item because we firmly believe that, as the people who grow the foods we eat in Britain, our farmers are of vital importance to the national wellbeing and that they deserve whatever help and support they need.

Why We Britons Must Stand with Our Family Farmers

The rolling hills, patchwork fields, and vibrant market towns that define the British countryside are more than just a picturesque backdrop—they are the beating heart of our nation. 

Family farmers, who have tilled this land for generations, are the custodians of this heritage. Yet today, they face unprecedented challenges that threaten not only their livelihoods but also our food security, rural communities, and cultural identity.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we, as a nation, stand shoulder to shoulder with our family farmers. Here’s why.

1. Food Security in an Uncertain World

The COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain crises have exposed the fragility of our reliance on imported goods. With over 40% of the food we consume in the UK imported, the need to bolster local food production has never been clearer. Family farmers provide fresh, nutritious, and seasonal produce that doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles to reach our plates. Supporting them ensures a resilient food system, capable of weathering global shocks and reducing our dependence on imports.

2. Protecting Our Countryside

Family farmers are stewards of the land, managing over 70% of the UK’s countryside. They maintain hedgerows, conserve wildlife habitats, and use sustainable practices to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our rural landscapes. 

Without their efforts, these spaces risk being abandoned, degraded, or replaced by industrial farming methods that prioritise profit over environmental health.

3. Preserving Rural Communities

Farming is the backbone of many rural communities, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of identity. When family farms disappear, villages lose not only their economic foundation but also their social fabric. Supporting our farmers means investing in vibrant, thriving rural areas where traditions endure, and families can flourish.

4. Defending Ethical Food Production

British family farmers are among the most ethical and environmentally conscious in the world. They adhere to strict animal welfare standards, use fewer pesticides, and are committed to reducing carbon emissions. 

Supporting them means rejecting imported goods produced under lower standards that exploit workers, animals, and the environment. By choosing local, we send a clear message: ethics matter.

5. Standing Against Unfair Competition

Family farmers face mounting pressures from cheap imports, supermarket monopolies, and government policies that often prioritise trade deals over local agriculture. These pressures force many small farmers to sell up, unable to compete. It’s our duty as consumers to demand fair prices and trade policies that protect British farmers from being undercut by foreign competition.

What Can You Do?

Standing with family farmers doesn’t require grand gestures; small, everyday actions make a difference.

Shop locally: Buy from farmers’ markets, farm shops, or online platforms that directly support British farmers.

Choose British produce: Look for the Red Tractor logo or other certifications that guarantee local origin and high standards.

Support policy change: Advocate for agricultural policies that prioritise sustainable farming and protect family farmers.

Educate yourself: Learn about the challenges farmers face and share their stories with others.

The Future of Farming is in Our Hands

Family farmers are not just food producers—they are the guardians of our culture, our environment, and our communities. Without them, the British countryside as we know it will wither. By standing with our family farmers, we ensure a future where the land continues to provide, inspire, and thrive.

The time to act is now. Let’s not just talk about supporting local; let’s make it a priority. Because when we stand with our farmers, we stand for Britain.