Setting up shop

Farm shops showed their value during the coronavirus crisis, partly feeding the nation for those early months of lockdown. But what would it take to set one up on your holding? Charlotte Cooper opens the door on the subject

- Charlotte Cooper

We are a proud nation of shopkeepers and, for smallholders, that means stalls and produce tables piled high with all manner of home-made and home-grown goods. But what about taking that basic commerce to the next level and setting up your own farm shop?

Farm shops come in all shapes and sizes — from a few freezers in a barn selling meat, to those that have become destinations in themselves, with cafes, children’s farmyards and franchised stores on site. However, they all stemmed from a farmer’s desire to sell their produce straight to the public.

YOUR PRIORITIES

The first thing to think about when considering setting up shop is what you want to achieve from your business, says farming sector lead at NFU Mutual, David Harrison.

“Before you diversify, it’s important to set out your priorities — why do you want to diversify and set up a farm shop? Is it about providing gainful employment for a family member? Is it to create an additional income stream? Is it about a desire to cut out the middleman and have a direct interaction with people in your community who would want to come onto your farm and buy your products? It could be all of these, or a whole host of other reasons as well. Just make sure that you know clearly what you’re aiming for.”

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

The next important consideration is to establish whether there will be enough local demand for your business. Are there other farm shops nearby? Would your business be sufficiently different from those to bring customers to your door? You need to consider how many customers you will need to make your farm shop a goer.