24 June 2008, 14:08 PM
  • Gonalston Farm Shop in Nottinghamshire will be hosting a Strawberry Festival on 28th and 29th June; just one of the events featured in the 2008 Month of Taste (14th June-20th July), coordinated by the National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) as a celebration of the summer foods direct from farmers at Certified farmers' markets, farm shops and pick-your-own farms all over the UK.

The Festival will take place at Gonalston Farm Shop to coincide with the Gonalston Gardens’ Open and Wimbledon. Strawberries will be provided by local grower Sir John Starkey of Norwood Parks in southwell, accompanied by local cream and ice-cream.

Further event information and resources for the Month of Taste can be found at www.monthoftaste.info. The website focuses on a different seasonal crop each week, including strawberries and cream, and features articles, producer profiles and recipes. There is an events listing for activities taking place at farms and FARMA certified farmers’ markets during the month, plus links to interactive maps and calendars to find farmers’ markets, farm shops and pick-your-own farms across the UK. Visitors to the site can also provide comments and recipes.

Laura Waterton of FARMA said ‘We are really excited about this year’s Month of Taste and the opportunity to profile what is happening on our members’ farms this summer. It is a great chance for consumers to learn more about our wonderful summer foods, and meet the people who are producing it on their doorstep. Gonalston farm shop run some fantastic events and I’m sure the festival will be a huge success.’

FARMA (the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association) is the world’s largest cooperative of farmers selling direct to the public through farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes.