Fresh and locally sourced: The Food Assembly. (Photo: Pixabay)

A new pop-up farmers market that allows consumers to buy local products directly from producers has launched in Lewisham.

The Food Assembly, which opened on October 2 at the Railway Telegraph in Forest Hill, saw over 10 producers set up stalls to present their locally produced foods and offer information and free tasting.  

Network developer Caroline Goethel said: “With markets like these we want to educate people about farming and want to change the way food is distributed. We want to cut out the middleman and link consumers to producers.”

When producers sell their products in supermarkets they only receive 20% of the profit. By selling them through markets in direct contact with buyers, their profit is boosted to an impressive 83.3%.

The Food Assembly is an international online platform where organisers recruit producers who want to sell their locally sourced foodstuffs, and set up pop-up ‘markets’ to distribute local food. There is an online ordering system for each market, and customers are able to pick up their order personally from the stalls, working just like a pre-paid farmers market.

Goethel added: “The Food Assembly wants to expand and create a community that will benefit both producers, who profit more, and consumers, who get good quality, organic, fresh and local food”.

A producer from Brockmans Farm in Kent said: “The purpose of this event is not only to promote local production and consumption but also to combat supermarket food. A lot of it has been sitting around, sold as fresh when it’s not.

So much food travels around to get a name. This is the case for example with the Angus steak. It is sent to Scotland to be sent back as Angus Steak when it’s not.”

He added: “Then of course there is the social aspect of such an event. Consumers meet producers and have a chance to ask about the food they eat. This does not happen at the supermarket. Most of the times you don’t know what is in there.”

Emma Preston-Dunlop, owner of The Butch Institute, always uses seasonal ingredients for her jellies and chutneys, emphasising the importance of using fresh seasonal produce.

She said: “My motto is to produce everything within 100 miles of the M25. I also use 25% recycled class for my jars and I try to produce as much by myself. If I need anything I always support British producers. All sugar for example comes from Norfolk.”

Network developer Caroline Goethel said: “With markets like these we want to educate people about farming and want to change the way food is distributed. We want to cut out the middleman and link consumers to producers.”

The farmers market will take place every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. You can make your order online at www.thefoodassembly.com and pick it up directly at the market. Anyone can join and everyone is welcome. Once signed up you will find information on all sellers and markets in your area.