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Become a producer

Becoming a producer...

• It costs only 5 pence to become a Shareholder
• Anyone over 16, with suitable produce to sell, may apply.
• All goods must be genuinely home-produced.
• There are no minimum quantities to produce – start small and build up.
• All Country Markets are run co-operatively; no-one has their own table.
• Everyone is expected to take their turn staffing the stalls and helping to run the Market.
• A small commission (usually about 10%) is taken from sales to cover Market running expenses; the rest is paid to the Producer monthly.

How are Country Markets run?

All Country Markets are run co-operatively. No-one has their own table; all the goods are put on sale together, like with like, and everyone is expected to take their turn staffing the stalls and in the general running of the Market.
There are no minimum quantities to produce – indeed, Producers are advised to start small to see what sells well and then to build up to a level which feels comfortable.
Country Markets have a formula to help Producers work out a recommended minimum selling price which gives a good return for their work.
A small commission (usually about 10%) is taken from the selling price of the goods to cover Market running expenses, and the rest is paid back to the producer at the end of the month.

Who can join?

Anyone, male or female, may apply to join as long as they are over the age of 16 and have suitable produce to sell. All Country Markets have a Market Manager who is responsible for accepting produce for sale.

What can be sold?

All Country Markets are different - the product range is dependent upon the local Producers and their specialities. A typical Country Market will sell baked goods, savouries, vegetarian dishes, preserves, honey, eggs, fruit and vegetables, plants and crafts. Some may also sell fresh meat, poultry and dairy produce. All goods must be home-produced and, in the case of perishable foods, freshly prepared. Nothing must have been previously frozen. Our motto is “Sell the best – eat the rest!”

How much does it cost to join?

It costs only 5 pence to become a shareholder.

Are there any additional or ongoing costs?

After joining you will need to purchase a copy of the Country Markets Handbook. You will also need to purchase an invoice pad, approved Country Markets labels and packaging materials. All these, together with advice on getting started, are available from the Market Manager of your local Country Market.

The Market takes a small percentage (usually around 10%) of the selling price. This commission is used for Market running costs.

Will I need to be insured?

Becoming a shareholder provides you with full Product and Public Liability Insurance whilst undertaking work on behalf of Country Markets Ltd. (However, if you supply any outlet other than a Country Market, you will need your own insurance policy.)

Why do I need my own copy of the Handbook?

The Country Markets Handbook is a vital tool for all Producers. It contains important information about producing for Country Markets. The rules are there as a safety net. By following them a Producer can be confident that all possible steps have been taken to ensure that produce is of a very high standard, is safe for the consumer and keeps within the law.

Trading legislation is complex, especially that concerning food safety, but Country Markets Head Office ensures that all Producers are kept informed of the latest requirements by means of new policy guidelines, supplementary publications and our quarterly Newsletter "The Markets Messenger"

Food Hygiene Certificate

All food handlers are required by law to undertake regular food hygiene training. For Country Markets producers this takes the form of a Food Hygiene Course. Courses are usually available locally; some Country Markets Societies may arrange courses and contribute towards costs. The Market Manager will be able to advise you about this.

Do I have to register my kitchen as a food business?

Under current legislation, all food businesses must register their kitchens with the Local Authority unless they operate on a 'casual and limited' basis. 'Casual and limited' can be applied to Country Markets cooks. Each Producer will be assessed on an individual basis. Shareholders who cook for more than one Country Market, or for additional outlets, should register their kitchens.

All Country Markets are required to register the venue of the Country Market with the Local Authority. They must provide a list of all food producers, and an up-to-date list of names and addresses must be kept at the Country Market.

How do I join?

Go along to your nearest Country Market and introduce yourself to the Market Manager who will be able to advise you further about the suitability of your produce. If you are a craft producer, please take along a sample of your work.

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