We’re teaming up with the Farm Retail Association to back British farm shops

The Farm Retail Association is benefiting from the support of the IWP team, as we work in partnership to help UK farm shops to continue to enhance and showcase their offering.

After seeing a surge in demand from people using farm shops to buy local produce during lockdown, farmers are urging customers to continue to support local retailers as shoppers resume their normal routines and head back to the supermarkets. Whilst Twitter reported a dramatic increase in online conversations (+111%), about shopping local and supporting small businesses during lockdown, many independent stores are reporting a drop in the number of new customers through their doors.

We will be supporting farm shops across the UK with a series of initiatives. These will help farmers to understand and adapt to changing consumer demands and the current retail environment, promote and market their shops and enhance the customer experience.