Towards planning recommendations to encourage the growth of farmers markets as an element of revitalising rural areas

In theory, farmers’ markets can provide a win-win situation in terms of revitalising rural areas, increasing viability of small and part-time farms, re-connecting the consumer with the source of food, providing good quality food at reasonable cost, adding complexity to the social fabric of the market town and increasing numbers of shoppers. This paper reviews the white and grey literature on the economic, social and environmental benefits of farmers’ markets.
However, there remain a large number of problems in relation to establishing and maintaining farmers’ market. They range from issues with traditional market rights to a lack of support from local authorities and agricultural groups. This paper uses an Irish case study based on interviews and literature to analyse these obstacles from a planning point of view. Other issues that are examined include problems with finding suitable locations, management and promotion issues, insurance, health and hygiene, and the importance of farmers’ markets in the promotion of local agriculture. Recommendations are made for the future planning and management of farmers’ markets in Ireland.