Buy local

Why local food matters

The UK produces only around 62% of the food it eats. For fresh vegetables the figure is 53%, and for fresh fruit just 16% (Defra, United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024, 2023 figures).

Herefordshire is one of England’s great food-producing counties, famous for its beef, apples, cider, soft fruit and hops. When you buy directly from local farmers and growers, more of your money stays with them and in the local economy. Seasonal local food usually travels fewer miles, often comes with less packaging, and tends to be fresher.

How food is grown matters too. Farming that looks after the soil and keeps nutrients out of our rivers is vital for the River Wye. Buying from growers who farm with nature in mind is one way you can help.

Where to buy local food in Herefordshire

Markets

Herefordshire’s market towns have a long tradition of markets selling local produce. Days and times can change, so please check before you visit.

– Hereford: markets in High Town, with the main markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. More info here.

– Ross-on-Wye: Thursday and Saturday markets under and around the Market House.

– Ledbury: charter market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, plus a farmers’ market.

– Leominster: weekly Friday market and a monthly farmers’ market.

– Kington: Friday market with local food and crafts.

– Hay-on-Wye (just over the border in Wales): Thursday market with local and seasonal produce.

Farm shops and local producers

– BigBarn: a national map of farm shops, producers and local food businesses. Search for your town or village to find what’s nearby.

– Visit Herefordshire: the county’s tourism website lists farm shops, delis and food producers. 

– Farm vending sheds: a growing number of Herefordshire farms sell fresh milk, eggs and other produce directly from on-farm vending machines and sheds, often open every day.

Veg boxes and community supported agriculture

– Growing Local (Hereford): a community interest company running a community market garden on the southern edge of Hereford. It offers fruit, salad and vegetable shares through community supported agriculture, as well as cooking and growing sessions. 

– Community Supported Agriculture Network UK: find a CSA farm near you, where members share the harvest and support the grower directly. 

– Soil Association box scheme finder: find organic veg box schemes that deliver in Herefordshire. 

Online local food hubs

– Open Food Network UK: a not-for-profit platform where local producers and food hubs sell directly to the public. Use the map to find sellers near you.

Grow your own food

You don’t need a big garden to grow some of your own food. A few pots of herbs or salad on a windowsill is a great start. If you want to grow more, these groups and resources can help.

Allotments

– Hereford: Hereford City Council owns ten allotment sites, which are let by the Hereford Allotments and Leisure Gardeners. 

– Elsewhere in Herefordshire: allotments are run by parish and town councils, so contact your local council to find out about plots and waiting lists. 

– National Allotment Society: advice on getting and looking after an allotment, and on setting up a new site. 

Community farms and gardens

– Hereford Community Farm (Grafton, near Hereford): a community farm offering free, inclusive family days, animal care and land-based skills sessions for young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and working with local schools. 

– Growing Local (Hereford): see above. As well as its community market garden, it runs grow-and-cook sessions and works with schools and families.

– Haygrove Community Gardens (Ross-on-Wye): a charity running a community garden with a growing club, cooking club and school visits, and supporting people through therapeutic gardening. 

– Herefordshire Growing Point: a charity running therapeutic gardening sessions for older, vulnerable and isolated people, growing and cooking fruit and vegetables together.

– Social Farms and Gardens: the national charity for community farms and gardens, with advice on starting a community growing project. 

– Incredible Edible: a national movement of community groups growing food in public spaces for everyone to share. Find a group, or start one in your village or town. 

Orchards

Herefordshire is famous for its orchards, and there are plenty of ways to get involved in planting and caring for them.

– Colwall Orchard Group: rescues and manages local orchards and runs Apple Day and wassail events. 

– Marcher Apple Network: preserves old apple and pear varieties of the Welsh Marches, runs courses and identifies fruit at autumn shows. 

– PTES Orchard Network: information and advice on traditional orchards in Herefordshire. 

Seeds and skills

– Seed Swap Hereford: an annual seed swap, usually held in February in Hereford. Bring your spare seeds, or simply come along and pick some up. Contact: herefordseedswap@gmail.com

– Garden Organic: advice on organic growing, plus the Heritage Seed Library, which keeps rare vegetable varieties in cultivation. 

– RHS: find a local gardening group or club near you. 

Get involved in Herefordshire’s food movement

The Herefordshire Food Alliance is a partnership of public, community, voluntary and food business organisations working towards a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system for the county. In 2023 it won a Bronze award from Sustainable Food Places. You can sign the Herefordshire Food Charter and join its mailing list to hear about local food events.

Waste less food

Buying local is only part of the story. Planning meals, storing food well and using up leftovers all help. Love Food Hate Waste has practical tips and recipes.