Cullompton Farmers’ Market is held in the High Street, Cullompton, on the second Saturday in each month, 9.30am to 12.30pm and we are pleased to be part of the Cullompton town.
When is the next Farmers Market being held?
Saturday 13th August will be the next Cullompton Farmers’ Market and a great opportunity to restock on some healthy shopping and enjoy refreshments. We welcome back India in a Jar and a warm Welcome to Exmoor Cooked Hams and and Little Bowhay Preserves. A lovely selection of hot refreshments from Marion’s Deli. A hearty selection of meats – Washford Pyne lamb and beef and Moonbeams pork and Boer goat. Delicious cakes, Bread of Devon bread and a good range of gluten free products for sale. We have fresh vegetables Ambrose eggs and Beverley’s eggs, preserves and Ridgway cider along with our usual Sandford Orchards & Bloomberry Juice. Indulge in some Trow Farm Fudge. Our entertainment will be provided by Karl Zumer [subject to him being able to drive].
With some of the lowest food miles around – and easy parking in Forge Way car park or Tesco are offering 3 hours of free parking! So is St Andrew’s Car park
The farmers’ market was originated by the community and certainly has a community feel.
A farmers’ market is where local produce is sold to local people. All of the stall holders at the market have travelled less than 30 miles and are selling produce they grew, reared or created themselves. Cullompton Farmers’ Market was the first farmers’ market to be started in the South West. It is also the only one in the country to be set up by volunteers and not a local authority.
The number of stalls has been increased over the years, and new items have been added to the already wide range of produce. The markets have a unique atmosphere.
How to get to the Farmers’ Market:
The Farmers’ Market is held in The High Street, Cullompton, EX15 1AG. This is easily accessed from the Forge Way car park or there is limited parking in St Andrews Road car park.
Approaching from the M5 motorway:
As you come off the motorway, head towards Cullompton town centre. You will see a pub on your left, followed by a roundabout. Take the first exit off the roundabout, and you will see Tesco on your left. Continue past Tesco by taking the second exit on the mini roundabout by its entrance. The road will bear right, and on the left will be the Police station. The turning into Forge Way, for the Station Road car park, is then immediately on the left.
Approaching from Willand on the B3181:
From Willand, head into the town centre until you reach the traffic lights, and then turn left into Station Road. Take an immediate right into Forge Way for the Station road car park.
Approaching from Exeter/Bradninch on the B3181:
Follow signs into the town centre and continue right through the centre to the traffic lights where you are directed right for the M5. Turn right at the lights, and immediately turn right again into Forge Way for the Station Road car park.
About the Cullompton Farmers Market
Monthly farmers’ markets have been held in Cullompton since 10 June 1998 and each of them has been equally well attended and as successful as the first. Local people regularly attend the market as they know they can purchase fresh, quality food. The number of stalls has been increased over the years and new items have been added to the already wide range of produce. The markets have a unique atmosphere helped by events such as music provided by local musicians and children’s activities in the children’s corner.
Refreshments are available, provided by vounteers for the benefit of the market. People are often seen chatting to neighbours who they would normally rush past in a supermarket. The farmers market was originated by the community and certainly has a community feel.
A farmers’ market is where local produce is sold to local people. All of the stall holders at the market have travelled less than 30 miles and are selling produce they grew, reared or created themselves. Cullompton Farmers Market was the first farmers market to be started in the South West. It is also the only one in the country to be set up by volunteers and not a local authority.
History
The idea of setting up a farmers’ market in Cullompton was that of Tracy Frankpitt of Peverstone Cheese. “We wanted to sell our award winning cheese at the first farmers’ market in Bath but they said we were too far away. The Cullompton Regeneration Group was looking for something that would bring more people into the town and I suggested we started our own farmers’ market.”
Farming is very hard at the moment and many farmers are diversifying in order to survive. The farmers taking part in the market have learned marketing and retail skills and also had contact with the end users of their produce. Some had never sold direct before but are now planning box schemes and farm shops. The organisers of Cullompton farmers market have been helping other Farmers Markets start up.
Producers at the Cullompton Farmers Market
For details of other traders, please visit the website: http://www.cullomptonfarmersmarket.co.uk
Benefits
Farmers’ markets have the following benefits:
Farmers
- are able to talk to end consumers and find out the type and quality of produce they prefer.
- have another direct outlet with no middle man.
- are able to publicise their produce and farms by reaching people who normally would not have heard of them.
Consumers
- are able to purchase very fresh food brought directly from the farm.
- are able to meet the people producing the food.
- experience a day out and a new, more relaxed shopping environment.
Cullompton
- Cullompton’s image will benefit from being associated with this high quality, high profile project.
- More people will be attracted to the town of Cullompton.
Environment
- Food will not travel long distances to depots and supermarkets.
- Packaging will be minimal as food will not need to keep for long periods.
The success of the project depends very much upon the support of farmers, consumers and local organisations.
