The Countryside in the City - Situating a Farmers' Market in Birmingham

Abstract

The City of Birmingham capitalized on the burgeoning trend in Farmer's Markets by establishing one in the city core. This paper first outlines the growth and origins of Farmer's Markets before offering empirical research on this particular market. The critical questions concern the advisability of putting such a market in a major city and issues surrounding the use made of the market by patrons. Stallholders and others are also interviewed to establish the balance of benefits and costs. The conclusions are that the effects have generally been positive and the initiative a worthwhile one.