Localfoods.org.uk is designed and run as an activity between the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA) and Lloyds Europa; experts in local foods. The two work together with farmers and producers to support and promote the direct sales of local foods to customers across the UK.

FARMA tracks its roots back to 1979 - starting out as the Farm Shop & Pick Your Own Association (FSPA), and renaming in 1994 to the Farm Retail Association (FRA). The FRA was a founder member of the National Association of Farmers' Markets (NAFM) in 1999. In 2003 members from both FRA and NAFM voted for the merger of the two organisations to form FARMA, representing all aspects of local foods, on-farm production, and  the sale of fresh farm products direct to the public through farmers' markets, farm shops, pick-your-own farms, home delivery, on-farm entertainment and other diverse routes to market for direct sales from the producer.

FARMA is a subscription-based not-for-profit co-operative society owned by its members. It sees its role as essential in providing a framework for the sector to grow as well as setting standards  for consumer reassurance. The FARMA team has many years of retail & marketing experience in addition to sector-specific expertise, allowing us to have answers for members when they need them!

In its 30+ years, the Society has pushed at the forefront of local foods, farm direct sales, and encouraged best practice retailing amongst its members. We continue to strive for excellence and drive professionalism across the sector with training schemes, Certification for farm shops and farmers' markets, networking, and leadership for the sector.

FARMA's Managing Agent is Lloyds Europa Ltd. which also owns this site.