Proud to be local

9:26am Thursday 26th June 2008

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With recent media coverage of non-accredited markets, Orton is proud to celebrate its local producers at the next market on Saturday, July 12.

“Orton Farmers’ Market was established by local farmers and people in the Orton community just over seven years ago and the current management committee still includes people from the village and local farms,” said Market Manager, Leanne Duerden. “We keep strictly to the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association's 50 mile rule and are an accredited market. In fact, a lot of the produce on sale at Orton comes from within 20 miles or less – for instance, about half the meat sold is from farms less than 5 miles away!”

John Noble of Stonyhead Farm near Sunbiggin is one of those very local producers: “The market is all about getting a reasonable price for my pork, bacon and sausage so that I can afford to farm using traditional methods,” he explained. “The pressure on margins and prices through the conventional supply chain just wouldn’t work for me but I attend nine local Farmers’ Markets each month and enjoy selling direct to the public. Orton is always a good one for me – it’s the most local to the farm and people usually come to buy rather than just to look.”

The next Orton Farmers’ Market will open at 9.30am.Refreshments are available throughout the day in the Market Hall, at All Saints Church and also at the two local cafés and The George Hotel. The next Pooley Bridge Farmers’ Markets will take place from 10am to 2.30pm on Sunday, June 29 and Sunday, July 27.