New Fife food market pumps £12k into local economy since launch last year

Lesley Duffy, who helps run Falkland NeighbourFood. Pic: Paul Sanders Photography.

Popular click and collect farmers’ market, Falkland NeighbourFood, has injected nearly £12,000 into the local economy since launching last June at the Centre for Stewardship.

Host Falkland Estate has helped local food and drink producers sell over 400 baskets of produce over the past six months at their weekly Thursday collection.

One of the latest producers to join the local food platform is Grower’s Garden, which produces broccoli crisps using wonky veg from its farms in Cupar, Angus and the Borders.

Nicole Spittle of the Grower’s Garden said: “In an effort to reduce food waste and farm more sustainably we use wonky broccoli, as well as oversized and undersized produce that’s otherwise unsuitable for retailers, to make our crisps. NeighbourFood has been a fantastic way for us to promote our product to local people, alongside other great products from local producers. It was really easy to start selling through the platform and all the team are really friendly. We’d really encourage other local producers to come and join us.”

A total of 20 producers now sell through Falkland’s weekly market; from Pittenweem Preserves and Falkland Kitchen Farm, to Woodmill Game and Home Bakery.

Lesley Duffy, who helps run Falkland NeighbourFood, said: “Some of our bestsellers are fruit and veg, beef and game – all of which come from within eight miles of our market. Our customers love the convenience of being able to browse local produce from the comfort of their home and pick up all their shopping in one place; we’re helping them reduce their food miles, as well as their travel time, which is great for them and the environment.”

One regular customer, Hazel York from Springfield, said: “The price might be a bit more than in a supermarket, but the goods are much tastier, and it supports our local economy.”

For further information on shopping or selling through Falkland NeighbourFood, visit – www.neighbourfood.co.uk/markets/falkland/31. Socially-distanced market collections are from the Horse Stalls at the Centre for Stewardship, Falkland every Thursday, 4-6pm.