UNTIL recently farmers’ markets were seen by some as an expensive alternative to the weekly shop, but now some are looking at farmers’ markets as a cheaper option.

Wolvercote and North Oxford Market recently conducted a price comparison survey between the produce of its traders and that of nearby supermarkets.

It said items such as tomatoes, broccoli, bacon and sausages were all cheaper at the market, and shoppers could save more than £5 overall by switching to markets.

Bookings co-ordinator Richard Howlett said: “On one Sunday in August I took the prices from the various market stalls and went to shops to find products as close as possible.

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“I went to the supermarkets that somebody in North Oxford would use that are nearby. I looked at the general things people would buy in their weekly shop.

“It’s worth noting that it’s a mix, some things – like onions and milk – are a little bit more at the market, but the really interesting thing is that overall you can save £5 at the market.”

He said: “It’s because you’re buying directly from the farm.

“When you buy from the supermarket your vegetables are being stored and are often travelling a large distance.

“There are people who have to be paid to do all of that. That’s all cut out at a market.”

He said that, as well as being cheaper, farmers’ markets had other benefits: “There’s a sense of community, of catching up with your neighbours.

“In our current society people feel quite isolated, they don’t often get to know people in their area. This is an opportunity to do that.

“Most of us have that desire to feel connected to the people around us. It’s not just the other customers, but also the people producing your food.

“You can meet the people who reared the sausages and grew the vegetables that make up your tea.”

Wolvercote and North Oxford Market is part of the Oxford Community Markets network, made up of five markets plus Cultivate’s Veg Van.

Mr Howlett, from Iffley, said: “The network is about co-operating instead of competing.

“Because we’re all running similar markets in different parts of the city there are ways that we can support each other and learn from each other.”

Christine McDermott is one of the founders of another network member, the Leys Community Market based in Greater Leys.

She said: “Ours is a skill share as well as a market. It was a combination of two projects for local people.

“There are people out there who do not realise how valuable their skills are. This is a place for them to be shared and help others.

“We wanted to engage with the community rather than just become another shopping outlet.

“It has a much wider impact on the community than the local supermarket or corner shop.”

But not all of Oxford’s markets are growing. Jericho’s market has not run since June, which founder Caroline Casey ascribes to competition from a rival market in North Parade.

She said: “They wanted to run two markets a month. We suggested they went on a different Saturday.

“They forced our hand. We had to disband.”

James Fry, a trustee of the North Parade Market, denied that the Jericho market needed to close, saying they could have both continued.

He said: “They’re not too close, they have different catchment areas. Most of our customers come from Norham Manor, not Jericho.

“I think if the Jericho market had run on the other Saturdays that would have worked very well.”

VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

Oxford Mail:

  • Jack Mcleod, manager of Headington Farmers' Market

WHEN it comes to markets, Jack Mcleod is an expert. He has been running them for nearly 20 years, and is working on five, including Headington’s.

He said: “Markets just bring the process down to benefit people in the local community.

“When you buy food from the supermarket you don’t get any choice and it’s only for one person, so you need to keep going back every day.

“You get better value for money at a market. You can ask the trader how things are made and where they come from.”

He said: “The clientele of Oxford are very up-to-speed with how things are and what they want for their money.

“Farmers’ markets don’t have much of a budget to compete with supermarkets in terms of publicity, but once the message is out there it’s solid. People keep coming back.”

But he criticised rules imposed by some markets.

“Saying everything has to come from within 30 miles, that’s all well and good if you’ve got a flour mill within that distance, but if you don’t you’ve got to use the next best thing.

“Unfortunately a lot of farms have shut up shop, so it’s become harder.

Drumming up support

Oxford Mail:

FRANCIS Boua set up East Oxford’s Fairtrade market, which features African drums as well as local produce, in May.

The 44-year-old, originally from West Africa, said: “I started it to promote African culture, particularly drumming.

“Its purpose was to invite people in the community to play drums and buy produce and crafts.

“I want to explain my culture to the British people and to learn, share and create.”

The Headington resident said: “The market is already very integrated with the community.

“It’s going well, we have a lot of people coming here, especially young mothers with babies because they love the drumming.

“It has a positive impact on people’s mood and the atmosphere in the community.

“It can help people find peace and happiness.”

He said: “It’s also to tackle loneliness. People can come out and have fun. My aim is to develop more markets in Oxford and the UK.

“My vision is to promote peace through this.”

A FORCE FOR GOOD THAT GREW OUT OF A CRISIS IN ANIMAL HEALTH

Oxford Mail:

  • Deddington market

DEDDINGTON’S market is a positive force that sprang from a national crisis.

Manager Tei Williams said: “This was set up about 13 years ago in response to the foot and mouth epidemic to help our farmers.

Oxford Mail:

  • Tei Williams

“It’s just built up over the years. The market is part of the community now.

“It supports its makers and farmers and for the customers it provides them with a really wide range of goods.”

The Clifton Hampden resident said: “Any profit that we make from the market we plough back into the local community’s charities and organisations.

“It comes to about £5,000 or £6,000 a year. It’s about standing up and being counted. It’s really important that we look after as many people as we can.”

Below are the prices for: Food, Market price, Supermarket price, Difference in price (kilo)

  • Potatoes £1.50 £1.33 -£0.17
  • Onions £1.70 £1.10 -£0.60
  • Spinach £5 £8.75 +£3.75
  • Broccoli £3.50 £5.71 +£2.21
  • Courgettes £3.50 £6.67 +£3.17
  • Tomatoes £6 £8.80 +£2.80
  • Apples £2.50 £4.29 +£1.79
  • Eggs (6) £2.10 £2.28 +£0.18
  • Milk (1l) £1.40 £1.07 +£0.33
  • Bacon £12 £14.70 +£2.70
  • Sausages £7 £8.15 +£1.15
  • Chicken £6.50 £5.79 -£0.71

TOTAL £5.37 more at supermarket


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