Organic September is an annual celebration of all things locally and naturally sourced.
It’s a great reason to support some of your local independent farm shops and farmers’ markets, many of which focus on sustainability and biodiversity, and offer a range of delicious produce.
Read on to discover six of the best farms and farmers’ markets in Sussex.
1. Lewes Farmers’ Market, Lewes
Lewes Farmers’ Market has been running since 1998, only the second of its kind at the time in England. This means it’s one of the longest-established farmers’ markets in the country. Held on the first and third Saturdays of every month, it follows strong principles of environmental protection, high animal welfare standards, and minimum food miles and packaging.
As you wander around and browse the stalls, you’ll find a wide range of organic produce, including fruit and vegetables, raw milk, and beef, plus tempting sourdough bread and pastries made with organic flour.
There are plenty of beverages to choose from, too. Organic wine made from locally grown grapes, apple juice and cider, and craft gin and vodka are perfect for late summer and early autumn evenings.
You can find Lewes Farmers’ Market on Court Road, Lewes
2. Tablehurst Farm Shop
This award-winning farm shop stocks its own farm-grown produce as well as a wide range of organic goods from local suppliers. These include daily fresh bread (which is baked on the farm), loose eggs, organic juices, and a range of cheeses. The shop also sells a selection of biodynamic dry goods and wines, spirits, and beers.
The butcher’s counter has a variety of farm-reared meats, including beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, as well as bacon, sausages, and burgers. Find a delicious selection of biodynamic fruit and vegetables – the garden and the veg stall are about 300 metres apart, making the products free from food miles.
Raw, unprocessed milk comes from the small herd of grass-fed Jersey cows, with the calves staying with their mothers until they are old enough to feed on grass. And finally, the Pie Kitchen is a real treat, with pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and quiches all made from scratch using meat and vegetables from the farm.
You can find Tablehurst Farm Shop on London Road, Forest Row
3. Middle Farm, Lewes
Middle Farm is a farm shop, tearoom, cider barn, and farm attraction, making it great for a longer visit with children or grandchildren. Follow the butterfly trail, take a ride on a tractor or trailer, and enjoy duckling bathtimes and horse grooming demos.
The farm shop stocks seasonal produce, conserves, and confectionery produced on the farm, or from local suppliers and selected producers from across the UK. Plus, you’ll find delicious deli cheeses, and the shop also has daily fruit and vegetable deliveries from local growers.
Meanwhile, the cider barn features over 100 draught ciders and perries, plus a further 200 in bottles, and here you can taste, compare, and buy to your heart’s content!
You can find Middle Farm in West Firle, Lewes
4. Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst
Found at the heart of the Cowdray Estate, here, you’ll find fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, delicious pastries and baked goods, and handpicked store cupboard staples.
The butchery counter offers the finest selection of meat, with award-winning sausages, locally reared lamb and beef, and other selections from local suppliers. If you’re a cheese lover, the deli counter is a pure treat, with matured artisan cheeses from across Britain and Ireland.
You can also buy fresh seasonal flowers and beautiful bouquets, as well as plants, shrubs, and herbs for your kitchen, home, and garden.
You can find Cowdray Farm Shop on Cowdray Park, Midhurst
5. Chichester Farmers’ Market, Chichester
Held on the first and third Friday of each month, Chichester Farmers’ Market is dedicated purely to local suppliers. All stallholders are required to grow, rear, bake, and preserve all their produce, and be based within 50 miles of Chichester.
The local focus doesn’t stop there; all processed food is expected to contain a minimum of 30% local ingredients where possible.
Most of the stallholders are the producers themselves, and you’ll find a wide array of delicious offerings, including meat, fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, honey, and cakes.
There are also guest stallholders who offer different specialities throughout the year.
You can find Chichester Farmers’ Market at Chichester City Centre
6. Charlie’s Farm Shop, Bury
You’ll find Charlie’s on the working Southview Farm, and much of the produce it stocks is sourced from the farm itself. Working to deliver quality local food to shoppers, it sells fresh, raw milk, cream, and ice cream from its dairy, as well as beef, pork, bacon, and sausages sourced either directly from the farm or from specially selected local suppliers.
Every Thursday, you’ll find a mobile fish van selling fresh fish and shellfish, much of which is locally caught.
There is also a wide range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, sourced where possible from the producer, to keep the supply chain short.
Plus, a selection of wines, beers, and ciders is on hand to choose from if you enjoy a tipple or, if you prefer alcohol-free, try the range of delicious local juices.
You can find Charlie’s Farm Shop in Bury, Pulborough
Get in touch
Our team of independent financial advisers in Lewes is here to support you with managing your wealth so you can focus on enjoying everything Sussex has to offer.
To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086 311.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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