AS MANY as 60 jobs have been created thanks to the advent of farmers markets in Cumbria and North Lancashire, writes Gillian Cowburn.

And, because many of the extra employees have been related to the food producers involved, a further bonus has been that rural families are staying together to support one another.

These were just two of the findings of the first survey into the impact of the markets and local producers fairs which was unveiled during a breakfast presentation at the Westmorland County Show.

The joint report by the National Farmers Union and Made in Cumbria revealed that the fairs and markets were here to stay - for the next few years at least.

"They are not only good for the farmer, the producers and their families, but for the locations where they take place and other services connected to the production and distribution of produce."

Although income varies according to the type of product sold (sausages have a higher profit margin than eggs), the average individual takings at a market are £200.

Markets have also given producers confidence to diversify in mail order, the Internet, and farm shops.

Even the tourist industry has become "part of the equation" because visitors want to take home a taste of Cumbria.

The local food industry is concerned, however, that too many food fairs could "saturate" the marketplace spreading producers and consumers too thinly.

Producers also want to see local authorities doing more by encouraging businesses to source food locally.

In this respect, Cumbria is leading the way by being the first UK region to join a European initiative called 'Culinary Heritage' which promotes those hotels and restaurants which source locally and use recipes with a regional link.

The survey said: "Farmers markets and food fairs have been a vital lifeline in keeping farmers, their families and, in some cases, their businesses afloat."

As for consumers, the markets mean good quality fresh food on the doorstep.

The survey concluded that demand for locally-sourced and, more importantly, traceable produce direct from the producer was far higher than supply.

"This can mean only thing - there is plenty of room to grow."

For the NFU, Gill Haigh commented that the farmers markets had given a huge boost of confidence to the rural community.

"People feel less isolated," she said.

Gill added that the markets had also been the ideal means of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

"They have been a fantastic way of allowing people to come together."