Prue Leith announced as new FRA patron

Prue Leith has been announced as a new patron for the Farm Retail Association (FRA), speaking up for farm-focused retail businesses across the country.

The outgoing Great British Bake Off judge, who filmed her final season in 2025, has long been a passionate supporter of farmers markets and what they contribute to their local areas (and beyond). Last year, she became an ambassador for the FRA’s More Than Food campaign, which shone a spotlight on the important role farmers markets play in our communities.

The inimitable TV presenter and much-celebrated chef, who co-founded Leiths School of Food and Wine, shares the FRA’s vision, and its belief in the importance of bringing fresh, local food to tables wherever possible.

She speaks passionately about the importance of supporting farmers markets.

“I’m delighted to join the FRA as a patron,” she says. “I firmly believe in the importance of not only having access to great, fresh food, but the role farmers markets play locally across the UK. 

“In fact, it’s the best day of the week. It’s when the whole village turns out and communities come together. It’s a social event and it’s glorious!”

Provenance you can trust

Prue firmly supports the FRA’s Farmers Market Accreditation Scheme, which ensures that markets meet strict standards when they join. These include authenticity and provenance, requiring that produce that is genuinely local and sold by the people who grow it, make it and truly understand it.

They also have to adhere to quality and freshness standards, so that customers know they are buying seasonal food at its very best, which has travelled very few food miles and has been sourced direct from local farmers.

Lastly, member markets must meet standards of trust and reassurance, proving that they are professionally run and that the correct insurance is in place.

Consumers who shop at accredited farmers markets can be assured that they are genuinely supporting the farmers, growers and makers who are keeping Britain’s food culture alive.

“We’re proud to highlight the difference that accredited farmers markets make in strengthening rural economies, reducing food miles and giving people access to real food they can trust,” says Ben Loughrey, vice chair of the FRA. “With Prue’s support, we can show just how powerful markets are in bringing people and communities together.”

Click here for more information about the Farm Retail Association and how it supports farm-based retail businesses across the UK.