Farm Retail Association Heads to Parliament to Champion Rural Retail

Farm retailers from across the country will gather in Westminster next week as the Farm Retail Association (FRA) hosts a parliamentary drop-in event aimed at boosting recognition and support for rural food businesses. The session, sponsored by Lee Dillon MP, will take place on Wednesday 19 November and will give MPs the chance to meet farm shop owners and farmers’ market representatives face-to-face.

The FRA hopes the event will highlight the vital role farm retailers play in supporting local economies, strengthening rural communities, and improving access to healthy, locally produced food. According to the organisation, around 75p of every £1 spent in a farm shop remains within the local economy - a level of reinvestment rarely matched in mainstream retail.

Ahead of the meeting, the FRA has outlined three key areas where it is urging government action: targeted financial support to help businesses invest and grow; streamlined planning rules to make expansion easier; and stronger national promotion of farm retail as a trusted, sustainable source of British food.

With farm shops enjoying growing public support, the FRA says now is the time to ensure policy and funding keep pace with the sector’s contribution.

Visit farmretail.co.uk for more information on how to become a member.