The Talking Tortoise team and I had a fantastic time at the Farm Retail Association (FRA) Conference and Gala Dinner last month. As first-time attendees since becoming members, we were warmly welcomed into a community brimming with like-minded, passionate individuals. The camaraderie and openness we experienced were truly heartening, making us feel right at home among fellow farm retail enthusiasts.
Over the years, I’ve worked across several industries, but few match the farming community’s ethos of sharing and collaboration. Despite operating in the same marketplace, the business leaders and team members we met were refreshingly open, readily exchanging ideas without a hint of competitiveness. This spirit of mutual support and collective growth is genuinely invigorating.
The Gala Dinner was a true highlight, celebrating the outstanding efforts of farm retailers across the country. The awards ceremony, hosted by the renowned food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, recognised well-deserving winners across a variety of categories. Notably, Darts Farm in Devon took home the Large Farm Shop of the Year award, while Castle Farm in Kent scooped the Small Farm Shop of the Year title. Witnessing peers cheer each other on added a special touch to the evening. And the Farm Shop of the Year Award trophy was a giant silver fork – it was quite the sight! Naturally, I couldn’t resist the temptation to see if I could lift it.
The dinner itself was a true farm-to-fork experience, featuring pork generously supplied by one of the FRA members. That thoughtful detail really set the evening apart. I’m sure everyone had a great table, but ours was a brilliant mix of individuals, each with deep family roots in farming. One thing I
found myself saying over and over was this: money can’t buy heritage. So many FRA members I spoke to are second or third-generation farmers, and their loyalty to their land and legacy is one of the reasons I find this industry so inspiring. As someone who holds strong family values herself, I
completely resonate with their visions to carry on their loved ones’ legacies.
One particularly memorable moment was chatting with the gentleman from the Craft Bakers Association who, it turned out, had baked the very bread we enjoyed with our starter. To be surrounded by such artisans was a true honour and a celebration of British farming and produce at its finest.
After a couple of glasses of wine, I even mustered up the courage to go on stage and meet Nigel Barden himself. With over 30 years of experience championing food and drink, his passion for farm retail was palpable. We chatted about his love for farm shops and how he makes a point to visit
them as often as possible. What a wonderful advocate to have on our side!
The following day’s conference was equally inspiring. Talking Tortoise had a stand in the trade zone, and we’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by. Special thanks to Tash and the team for their brilliant display idea – using crates and paper ‘hay’ to showcase our beautiful resin chickens. Perhaps next year there should be a prize for best stand… just saying!
The talks were so good that Martin and I ended up in a friendly tug-of-war over who got to attend which one! One standout for me was hearing from Alex Emmanuel-Jones of The Black Farmer, sharing his vision for ‘Farms in the City’. His passion for connecting urban communities with farm- fresh produce. His dedication to continuing his father’s legacy while pushing innovation in retail diversification was nothing short of inspiring. I can’t wait to visit their London store next time I’m in the city.
All in all, the FRA Conference and Gala Dinner far exceeded any nerves or expectations I had beforehand. We left feeling inspired, connected, and truly proud to be part of such a forward- thinking, community-driven industry. Roll on next year – we’ll be back with bells on!
Written by Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham.
