Polikarpova Yu.O., Cand. Phil. Sc., Assoc. Prof. The article considers experience of the United Kingdom in farmers' markets development

The article considers experience of the United Kingdom in farmers' markets development. The main benefits from their expansion for farmers, consumers, local community and environment are demonstrated.

У статті розглянуто досвід Об'єднаного Королівства у розвитку фермерських ринків. Продемонстровано основні переваги від їх розширення для фермерів, споживачів, міських громад та довкілля.

Relevance of the research. Farmers’ markets are springing up all over the word and their number is growing rapidly. According to the latest data there are over 7,500 farmers' markets that are officially registered in the world [2]. The leaders in farmers' markets development are the USA and the UK. In order to introduce farmers' markets in Ukraine it's necessary to study experience of other countries and carry out some research on the problem.

The objective of this research is to demonstrate benefits from the expansion of farmers' markets.

Body of the research. As S. Bullock states, farmers’ markets are food markets where farmers and producers bring their produce for sale direct to the public [1, p.4]. There are usually rules for farmers markets. The main ones are that bought-in food cannot be sold, and that food should be from “local” producers – where “local” is determined by individual markets. The National Association of Farmers Markets in the UK exists in part to accredit these markets and ensure standards are maintained [1, p.4].

Farmers ' markets are good for farmers:they're a different source of revenue, often crucial in today's difficult farming climate;they give farmers greater control over their economic lives; farmers can get higher prices, as the middle man is cut out; farmers get increased networking and learning opportunities with other farmers; farmers diversify their skills due to gaining marketing and business expertise, etc.

They are also good for the local economy: more money is spent in the local economy, and it circulates in the locality for longer; there is high knock-on spending in other shops on market days;they provide an outlet for local produce, helping to start new local businesses and expand existing ones;they reinforce local job and business networks, maintaining local employment, etc.

Benefits for the consumers are the following: consumers enjoy the atmosphere and experience of farmers' markets;consumers get fresh, healthy produce usually at competitive prices; farmers' markets offer increased choice, and can offer extra fresh, affordable produce in areas with few such options; they strengthen community – a key factor in the quality of life in the UK, etc.

Besides, farmers' markets are good for the environment, because food travels less far; there are less "food miles"; it has less packaging; farmers' markets are an important outlet for farmers selling organic and less intensively-produced food.

Conclusion. Taking into account benefits of the farmers' markets mentioned above it can be said that they should be introduced in Ukraine because their expansion has a lot of advantages.