All set for Spring at Dorset Farmers' Markets:

Who knows what the weather will be doing when you get to read this, but as I write the sun is shining as it has for the last couple of weeks - a really welcome sight after a long, hard winter.

We know that Spring must be here when Sopley Farm makes a very welcome return to all our markets with their wonderful display of new season asparagus, rhubarb and potatoes - really a treat for us all and as fresh as you can get. Also new to the markets this Spring we have Caroline Drever selling fresh crab, lobster and mussels, all caught off the Weymouth coast; returning to the markets after a winter break will be our plant and flower producers, certain to brighten the markets and full of specialist plant knowledge to help you in the garden.

Dorset Farmers' Markets will once again be out in force next weekend with over 20 producers joining others at the Shaftesbury Local Food Festival on 1st May and again on Bank Holiday Monday at the Blandford Georgian Fayre - do go along and support these worthy events and, eat well!
 

 

Welcome to the DFM website!  (Last Updated 06/05/10)

We hope our website provides you with all the information you need to get the best from your local food producers. Browse the webpage's to find out details of market dates, venues, who is selling at each market and where else you can buy your favourite products locally.

At a Dorset Farmers¡¯ Market all produce being sold must have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, or processed within Dorset or 40 miles of the border. The producer, or someone directly involved in the production, must sell the produce themselves and no bought in produce is allowed.

During the year there will be 130 Dorset Farmers¡¯ Markets & special events held in 9 market towns across Dorset. For further details of dates and venues please look at the market dates page.

Who benefits by shopping at Dorset Farmers' Markets?

You the customer:
You get the opportunity to buy the freshest, seasonal, locally grown foods, at a competetive price, from the people who know & care about their traditions and crafts.

The local producer:
It allows us an outlet selling directly to the public enabling us to become less reliant on wholesalers and supermarkets.

The community:
Shopping locally stimulates local economic development which leads to increased employment and by encouraging you to support local business helps to keep money within the community.

The environment:
Buying locally produced food obviously reduces food miles and use of fossil fuels, thus vehicle pollution. Also, less packaging is needed for produce at the markets compared to supermarkets and if you bring your own carrier bags we can help that little bit more!

DFM are the only markets in the county to be FARMA certified

All 10 Dorset Farmers¡¯ Markets have been certified to the National Association of Farmers¡¯ Markets. This means that our markets have been independently inspected and recognised as achieving the standards required, including working closely with Trading Standards and Environmental Health.