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To earn the badge for the scheme, Genuine Own And Local –
shortened to GOAL – Rumwell Farm Shop underwent a strict
inspection of the farm and farm shop, and a retail
assessment from a secret shopper organisation who reported
on information and customer service standards.
Rumwell Farm Shop, owned and managed by Anne and David
Mitchell (pictured above), passed both parts of the
certification with flying colours.
Anne Mitchell said, ‘We were delighted to take part in
the scheme and found it helpful as well as rewarding, of
course, to pass. We love to tell people who shop with us
that we rear the beef and pork sold on our butchery counter,
grow our own potatoes and apples, and have our own apple
juice and eggs. We also make a huge range of chutneys, jams,
pies and ready meals in our own kitchens. The Genuine Own
And Local inspections were thorough and detailed and the
GOAL certificate gives people that extra assurance that we
really do go the extra mile to ensure that they get the very
best foods from our own farm and local producers.’
The organisation behind the scheme, FARMA, works with farm
shops nationwide and is encouraging others to take up the
scheme from January 2010. Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary
commented, ‘Rumwell Farm Shop is a perfect example of the
businesses that we want to see recognised under the Genuine
Own And Local scheme. There are many studies showing that
shoppers want to support local farmers and food producers
because they want better food and to reduce their ‘food
miles’. Through GOAL we hope to make it easier for them to
find outlets that meet these objectives, and to shop with
confidence where they see the GOAL sign.’
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