GLASGOW'S farmers markets are “unsurprised” that their sales are booming after the pandemic.

Research from the Farm Retail Association (FRA) revealed that farm shops and markets generate £1.4 billion in sales and employ 25,000 people across the UK.

The produce markets have proven that they have beaten the trend of high-street closures and the online shopping epidemic, with 89% of farm retailers reporting an increase in sales since 2019.

Glasgow Times: Shawland's farmers marketShawland's farmers market

Richard Watson, manager at City Property (Glasgow), said: “We are unsurprised at the increased interest in retail farm products in the UK. Our Farmers Markets in Partick and Shawlands have been established for a number of years and they continue to be a popular choice for customers seeking locally produced goods. 

“Our policy only permits stallholders who have grown, reared, cooked, brewed or baked the goods themselves and this ensures that we continue to deliver high-quality products to the people of Glasgow as well as having a positive impact on the local economy.”

Rupert Evans, FRA chairman, said: “This was the biggest research project that the FRA has ever undertaken and the results show the vital part that farm retailers play in the community as well as on a national scale.

“Collectively we are generating more than £1.4 billion in sales which is absolutely staggering and a testament to the passion and integrity of farm retailers.

“We knew anecdotally that consumers are preferring to shop and support local more than ever before and this data confirms just that.

“The trust was built up through the pandemic as farm retailers could adapt quickly to introduce Covid safe measures and people felt safer shopping in smaller environments as opposed to large supermarkets.

“We think the pandemic will have changed shopping habits for many and will be here to stay.”