HAMPSHIRE Farmers’ Markets has launched a new membership level for businesses associates.

The associate membership has been introduced to recognise the many restaurants, pubs, hotels, cafes, delis and bistros in the county who source food and drink from farmers’ market producers.

Alex Handford, Hampshire Farmers’ Markets’ business manager, said: “For some time we have been looking at ways to recognise and raise public awareness of the many businesses who source their produce from our producers. The associate membership should fashion a more personal and stronger relationship between our local producers and many of the local businesses they supply and, in turn, with their many customers.”

As part of the new associate membership, Hampshire Farmers’ Markets has joined with the Love Your Pub Group to help further promote those who sign up. The group formally launched in October last year to support publicans, restaurateurs and hoteliers in the county, and to develop a business that focuses on supporting members to develop online and social media platforms to a higher level.

Group founder David Bevan said: “Our alignment with Hampshire Farmers’ Markets makes complete sense. We share the same core values by supporting and showcasing quality independent artisans and their businesses. We’re privileged to become a custodian of this message within the region and look forward to working with Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and their members.”

Among the many benefits of becoming an associate member is the opportunity to promote their business by taking a stand twice a year at any of the many farmers’ markets throughout the county, including Alton and Petersfield.

Members will also be invited to attend networking events throughout the year and will be listed on the associate membership pages on the Hampshire Farmers’ Markets website. And, like Alex and her team, they can be sure to be active users of social media.

As with the Hampshire Farmers’ Markets producers, businesses wishing to become associate members will need to meet particular guidelines. They will be asked to provide evidence that over a 12-month period they use or stock five or more products supplied by Hampshire Farmers’ Markets producers.

“This new type of membership can only encourage more Hampshire businesses to work together with our producers to offer their mutual customers a greater dining experience. After all, we’re all passionate about local food,” said Alex.

For more details on Hampshire Farmers’ Markets associate membership, visit hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk.