Research from the insurance branch of the National Farmers’ Union, NFU Mutual, has revealed that 70% of people plan to support local, independent retailers this Christmas.
Although 38% of shoppers plan to spend less amid the cost-of-living crisis, shoppers still want to support local business and producers, NFU Mutual said today (Monday, December 19).
As well as visiting farm shops, butchers and bakeries, the recent NFU Mutual poll found that a quarter of respondents said they would dine at local eateries this Christmas to support local businesses, while 15% would attended festive events.
Of the 571 people surveyed, 60% of people said that they would like to buy meat from a local producer or farm shop for their Christmas dinner.
The main reasons for farm shop visits were fresh, quality produced, followed by support for British farmers, boosting the local economy and shopping experience.
NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns, said: “As the cost-of-living impact is being felt by so many, it is understandable that people are planning to spend the same or less than last Christmas.
“With this in mind, it is heartwarming to see there is still appetite among shoppers to seek out something special this year from farm shops and other local businesses.
“The past year has been difficult for many farmers and rising inflation, extreme weather events and disease outbreaks have posed additional challenges and pressures on those businesses.
“Yet farmers and growers have continued to produce high quality and nutritious food for everyone to enjoy as well as cared for our environment and contributed to local economies.
“One way we can support their hard work and efforts is by giving the gift of local this Christmas.”
