The best of Britain’s farm retail industry has been celebrated at the prestigious Farm Retail Awards, organised by the Farm Retail Association (FRA).

Held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Wednesday 12 March, the awards honoured outstanding farm shops, cafés, markets, butchers, and more, shining a spotlight on excellence in a fast-growing sector.

Hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and sponsored by Fieldfare, the ceremony recognised innovation, passion, and quality across a range of categories.

• Large Farm Shop of the Year (sponsored by Fresh Retail): Darts Farm, Devon

• Small Farm Shop of the Year (sponsored by Cress Co): Castle Farm, Kent

• Farmers’ Market of the Year (sponsored by Moseley Farmers’ Market): Lenham Country Market run by M Farmers Market, Kent

• Pick Your Own of the Year: Garson Farm, Surrey

• Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year: The Farm Table at Darts Farm, Devon

• Farm Shop Butchery of the Year (sponsored by Angel Refrigeration Ltd): Millets Farm Butchers, Oxfordshire

• Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by Fieldfare): River Cottage Kitchen and Store, Devon

• Associate Member of the Year: Cress Co, Fife, Scotland

• Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by COOK): Jo Mounce, Strawberry Fields, Devon

Emma Mosey, FRA Chair, said: “Running an independent business takes immense dedication. We’re proud to highlight the excellence within our industry and showcase the innovation and community spirit that make farm retailers such a vital part of the UK.”

The awards were part of the FRA’s three-day annual conference, which also featured farm shop tours, an AGM, expert guest speakers, and workshops. Highlights from the final day included talks from George Eustice, former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford Organic, and Paul Hargreaves, CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish.

The FRA, founded 46 years ago, continues to support nearly 300 members nationwide with training, resources, and networking opportunities. To find out more about joining the Farm Retail Association, contact the FRA team on 01423 546214 or e-mail hello@farmretail.co.uk