Farmers interested in selling direct to the public can get some start-up tips from a free webinar scheduled for this Thursday, June 25.

Hosted by the Farm Retail Association and NFU Mutual, and free for anyone from across the UK to join, the 90 minute online session will involve farm shop owners sharing their experiences and answering questions.

FRA manager Jenny Rose said: “Consumers are more in tune with buying locally than ever before. By holding the event online we can still offer a helping hand and inspiration as well as bringing like-minded people together to think about ways to develop their business.”

Many farms are now considering diversification activities to increase their business resilience. An NFU Mutual survey at the end of 2019 found almost half of UK farmers (48%) were planning to set up or expand diversification schemes – a figure which doubled from the year before.

Farming sector lead at NFU Mutual, David Harrison said: “Many farm shops have really come into their own serving local communities at a critical time under coronavirus. From using drive-throughs to veg boxes, vending machines to socially distanced shopping experiences, consumers are valuing the high-quality produce and services that our farm shops have to offer.”

Webinar panel speakers include Emma Mosey from the Minskip Farm Shop in North Yorkshire and Rupert Evans from Denstone Hall Farm Shop and Café in Uttoxeter Staffordshire.

To register for the event, visit https://farmretail.co.uk/diversify/