§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to begin the certification of farmers' markets; if she will make a statement on the links established with regulatory authorities to ensure maintenance of standards; and what powers are vested in the regulatory authorities to restrict unauthorised traders from trading at farmers' markets. [44058]
§ Mr. MorleyThe certification of farmers' markets is a private initiative by the National Association of Farmers' Markets (NAFM). The Department has, however, provided grant under the Agriculture Development Scheme to help fund the development and implementation of the scheme. We understand that the Local Authority Co-ordinating body on food and Trading Standards were involved in the drawing up of the certification handbook produced by NAFM.
718WThe regulatory authorities have no specific powers to restrict traders from trading at farmers' markets. However, there may be scope for action to be taken under the general provisions of the Trade Description Act and the Food Safety Act.