Wrexham Farmers' Market

Introduction

The key concept for farmers’ markets is that stallholders are all local and produce their own goods. The Wrexham farmers’ market was initially set up in 2001. It is housed on the Queens Square in the town centre of Wrexham, every third Friday of each month.

Aims and Objectives

Wrexham decided to set up a farmers’ market because it allows for the provision of locally produced fresh produce and also increases the number of people visiting Wrexham. This therefore has an impact on the local economy.

Partner organisations

In setting up the farmers’ market the following partners were involved; public health department; trading standards department; environmental health department; community services; and economic development.

Methodology

Initially seven meetings were needed to discuss and agree: acquiring funds, organising, ordering, planning, programming, supply of electricity, waste deposal and provision of toilets.

Initially only 12 stalls were purchased at a cost of £400 each, this number has since been increased to 20. At present the charge made to stallholders is £17.00 per stall per market day. This stall rent covers the majority of the ongoing costs incurred, however the council continues to subsidise the cost of supplying electricity to stalls.

However there is additional income generation by charging exhibitors for the use of the central square. So far exhibitions have been staged by the Food Standards Agency and British Gas.

Members of staff from the local authority community services put the stalls up and take them down, and at present there is no charge for storage.

Environmental health officers visit the stallholders within the area to check on food safety and also to ensure the producers are producing their own products.

Promotion

The council provides posters and supplies traders with plastic bags that list the dates of the farmers’ markets. Estimated annual costs for the annual cost for advertising is £1,000.00.

Evaluation

No formal evaluation has been carried out at present however the farmers’ market has proven to be extremely successful as the market draws people to the town centre. Numerous dates are confirmed for the coming months.

The cost of advertising is justified due to the increase of people visiting Wrexham.

Resources

The initial funding to set the farmers’ market up came out of the local authority development service strategy and regeneration budget. The local authority purchased all stalls and received additional funding from the Welsh Development Agency and CADWYN. CADWYN released funds to go towards promotion of the market.

It is estimated that it took approximately 100 man-hours to set up the markets.

Contact Details

Contact: Ken Barney
Job Title: Economic development officer
Wrexham County Borough Council
Tel: 01978 292448
Email: ken.barney@wrexham.gov.uk

Wrexham also have the following documents available, which are directly available by request from the contact above.

Wrexham’s Farmers Market Regulations
The Proposals for establishing and managing a farmers’ market in Wrexham
Farmers Market Application For Inclusion On The Casual Trader Waiting List

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