Llandovery Farmers Market has become the first in Wales to earn official ‘Real Farmers Market’ status, and the achievement will be celebrated at a special event on Saturday, September 6.

The market will run from 10am to 2pm in the town’s historic Market Square, with an official launch by the Mayor of Llandovery, Cllr Huw Thomas, at 11am. Live music from Wolf Magdala will provide entertainment throughout the day.

Cllr Thomas said: “This is a real celebration of the strength of locally produced food in and around Llandovery. I am delighted to launch our new Real Farmers Market and encourage all locals and visitors to come and enjoy what we have to offer.”

Shoppers will be able to browse a wide range of Welsh-made food and drink, with fresh additions to the line-up including locally grown mushrooms and a baker offering sourdough breads and focaccias. There will also be stalls selling fresh greens and vegetables, pasture-fed meat such as beef, lamb, pork and mutton, along with sheep’s and goat’s cheeses, honey and cakes. Beers, ciders, spirits and liqueurs will be on offer, alongside jams, chutneys and marmalades. Non-food items will include wooden kitchenware and even treats for dogs.

Customers will also be able to buy fresh-cut flowers and pollinator-friendly plants. Street food stalls will add to the mix with hot and cold snacks, using local ingredients wherever possible.

Entertainment on the day will be provided by Wolf Magdala, a guitarist and singer duo from Llangammarch Wells. Made up of Rob Bindley and Maryemma Watson, they perform a mix of upbeat acoustic covers – from Fleetwood Mac and Queen to Stevie Wonder – alongside some of their own original songs.

Farm Retail Association launched the Real Farmers Market Accreditation scheme in January this year. The industry standard aims to clearly identify markets with local farmers, growers and producers who make the goods to sell directly to customers. Buying direct from the producer is a real strength to the local economy.

The accreditation recognises markets that meet eight key principles, ensuring customers can trust the quality and provenance of what they buy. To qualify, markets must champion the farmers, allowing customers to buy directly from those who grow and produce the products. They must prioritise local produce, with most stallholders coming from the county where the market is located, and ensure that all products are grown, baked, or made by the stallholders themselves. Traders should understand their products and be able to explain how they are produced, while also holding suitable Public, Product, and Employment Insurance. Markets and traders must follow all relevant national and local laws, including registration with Trading Standards and Environmental Health. Organisers are expected to promote the market’s status as a ‘Real Farmers Market’ and have systems in place to ensure these principles are enforced at all times.

Emma Mosey, Chair of the FRA said: “It is vital that there is an industry standard for Farmers Markets in the UK so customers can be sure of the provenance and locality of the produce.”