From a handful of stalls in 1999, Wye Farmers' Market now has more than 20 stalls gathering twice a month
Farmers’ Market of the Month: Wye
From a handful of stalls in 1999, Wye Farmers’ Market now has more than 20 stalls gathering twice a month. The award-winning market is one of only three other markets with certification from The National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) whose tough guidelines ensure customers can always be sure of quality and consistency.
First set up by Richard Boden, past student of Wye Agricultural College, Wye Farmers’ Market has not only remained true to its local ideals but now offers a fabulous variety of produce from seasonal fruit and vegetables, through meat, game, fish, jam and preserves, to delicious bread and cakes.
Undoubtedly one of the most unique and original stallholders in the market at the moment, is Wye Goat Farm which appears on the first Saturday market each month with a stunning goat curry sold with delicious Sri Lankan pancakes called Dosa.
Kumar, the owner of Wye Goat Farm, was born in Sri Lanka on a farm surrounded by goats and cattle and went on to study agriculture in India. Initially attracted by the bright lights of the tourism industry, the recession saw him longing to return to his farming roots.
Kumar furthered his studies in sustainable agriculture at Wye College and went on to realise his childhood dream, setting up his sheep and goat farm in the North Kent Downs. He says that most ‘goat’ meat sold in London is actually mutton, while goat farmers traditionally farm intensively.
“Our goats range freely in woodlands and on grassland in Wye and Chartham living a happy free-range life, while conserving the status of the grassland,” he says. “Their varied diet means that their meat is particularly tasty, too!”
The year-old business has become a family affair, with Kumar’s daughters, Daisy and Molly, pitching in with their delicious Sri Lankan cooking. So why not come and try for yourself on the May Day Wye Farmers’ Market?
Wye Goat Farm can be contacted on email symbol wyecowman@yahoo.co.uk or tel symbol 01233 811771
Find us
Wye Farmers Market takes place on the first and third Saturday every month from 9am to 12pm. The market is held in the picturesque setting of The Green, Wye TN25 5AH, just off the A28 between Ashford and Canterbury. There is free parking in the village. Situated by the ancient college building with a lovely green to play on for the children, there’s a food stall serving delicious sausages and iced buns for all the family.
Wye May Day Special
Wye Goat Farm will be at Wye Farmers Market on 1 May from 9am-12pm when the market will be celebrating May Day with music, Morris Dancing and a bouncy castle.
NEXT MONTH: Hempsted Valley
Challock special event: We’ll meet again
If you like a bit of nostalgia, then be sure to head down to Challock Farmers’ Market on 7 May from 1-4pm to celebrate VE Day. Visitors will be transported back to 1945 with stallholders dressed in 1940s fashion and visitors invited to join in with a vintage costume, to be in with a chance of winning the ‘Best 1940s Fashion Award’ prize. Professional singer Annie Riley will galvanise the great British market spirit with her rendition of many of Dame Vera Lynn’s classics, while the Challock Hoofers (as seen on Britain’s Got Talent) will get toes tapping with their song and dance routine. Added to this, the market will be serving up classic British ration food – and visitors can even come back for seconds!
