Farmers' markets must be accessible to all and not just for the privileged few, according to food minister Lord Bach.
The minister made the comments when presenting the Birmingham Post’s award for best farmers’ market in the region.
He said he believed the farmers’ market movement has a vital part to play in reconnecting consumers with producers, the paper reported.
The awards ceremony saw Stratford-upon-Avon crowned winner in the Market Masters competition, sponsored by the National Farmers' Union and Defra's Rural Development Service.
Lord Bach said: “Farmers' markets represent an opportunity to experience the innovation in food production that exists in the countryside.
“Many significant food ventures, which began as a hobby selling through a farmers' market, have now developed into substantial businesses in their own right.
“They play a vital role in reconnecting the consumer with the primary producer, a connection which is all too often lost in today's convenience era."
However, he warned that some markets were in danger of simply appealing to the privileged few due to high prices.
"I do think there is a danger of that and that can't continue. It is important to widen the scope as much as possible.
"There is no doubt that many people that do their shopping at farmers' markets like to purchase things that are fresh, healthy and have a connection with the farm that actually grew them.
"In areas where there is food poverty, where there isn't enough supermarkets in that area, the farmers' market movement does give that chance for a reconnection.”
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