Andrew Mitchell MP has toured the stands, met with local food producers and purchased ‘home-grown’ West Midlands marmalade at Sutton Coldfield’s monthly Farmers’ Market on the Parade. The key to the success of the Farmers’ Market, which is now in its tenth year, is that it provides local produce for local people. It has a unique feel which continues to attract people from in and around Sutton Coldfield to buy its produce. To ensure that the market retains its local flavour, its rules state that all produce must be grown or produced within a 30 mile radius, although produce within 50 miles may also be considered if it is the closest supply of that particular product. Stalls must be staffed by the producer, their family or an employee who is directly involved with the growing or producing of the product on sale and producers must sell their own produce at a stall. The Farmers’ Market is held every 2nd Friday of the month and the next one will be held on 9 April 2010. Russell Dean, Operations Manager for Sketts and Co, who run the market said, “It was great to see Sutton’s MP giving us his support. Despite a fall in revenue due to the recession and recent inclement weather, our sales in Sutton have remained fairly steady.” Andrew Mitchell MP said, “The farmers market is a tremendous bonus to Sutton and I would like to thank the stall owners for the addition that they make to our town. Furthermore I would urge everyone in Sutton to make sure that they visit and support the market when it is next here.”