Join Us - Become a Producer - Longfield Country Market

Join Us - Become a Producer

Wanted – New Producers, Shareholders and Helpers

Do you bake, sew, make or grow?

Longfield Country Market is always looking for new producers to improve the selection of local produce available for our customers. As a market who have supplied goods to local people for over 40 years, Longfield continues to be a friendly, busy market. If you have a talent or skill that can produce home-made goods and would like to make some money then we could be the answer. We are not just looking for new producers, helpers who strive to support the community are also welcome and any regular help is much appreciated.

All Country Markets throughout the UK are run as co-operatives and Longfield is no exception.

The aim of Country Markets was to provide an outlet for small producers to sell local goods, therefore, there are no minimum quantities – small amounts are equally welcome.

Competitive prices are commonly set according to a formula that gives a return for hard work.

10% of the selling price is deducted from all goods sold to cover market running expenses including hall hire, accountancy and insurance; the rest is paid back to the producer by cheque at the end of each month.

All producers are asked to help out on the market when it is open. This provides a good opportunity to get to know prospective customers and the range of increasingly popular products. This also means producers are on hand to answer any customer queries.

Who can join?

Anyone, male or female, may join as long as they are over the age of 16. We welcome regular helpers on a Friday morning as well as producers.

What can be sold?

All items sold through Country Markets must be home-made, home-grown or hand-crafted in the home of the producer.

Our range of produce is forever increasing, why not take a look at our Produce section to get some inspiration?

How much does it cost?

It costs 5p to become a member (shareholder). This entitles you to sell produce at any Market within West Kent.

Are there any additional costs?

You will need an invoice book, either labels ready printed with the Country Markets logo or produced on a computer in the correct style and suitable packaging materials. All of these are available at competitive prices from the Market.

Are there any rules?

We have a set of rules to ensure that we comply with all Legal Statutory regulations. These are normally to protect the producer and are documented in the Market Handbook issued by Country Markets Ltd Head Office. The Market Manager is responsible for making sure that all goods are up to the required standards; she will provide new producers with the necessary support and advice to get you started.

What qualifications are needed?

All cooks are required by law to hold a Food Hygiene Certificate. These are not difficult to obtain but require a few hours of tuition followed by a short multiple choice test. This can now be completed as an online training course at the expense of the producer.

How do I join?

Come along to Longfield Country market when we are open on a Friday morning (between 10:15am and 11:30am) and introduce yourself to the Market Manager, Melanie Maloy. She will explain everything you need to know.

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DL Market Leaflet

Established in 1978...

…and now celebrating 40 years of Trading

Originally, Longfield WI Market, for 25 years was based at The Jubilee Hall, Longfield before moving to Longfield and New Barn Community Hall. The market successfully continues today, over 40 years later continuing its original aims of encouraging locals to grow produce, hand-craft and home-bake, developing skills along the way.

In July 2018, Longfield celebrated its 40th anniversary, with all customers supplied with a much-appreciated free drink and slice of celebrationary cake.