FARMERS' markets were this week reported to be earning producers a total of £166m a year.

A study by the NFU says the figure is 2 times that of just two years ago and what started as one market in 1997 has today grown to 450 - more than doubling in the last two years.

Other key findings showed:

* business confidence at an all-time high with more than 60pc of farmers' markets expanding;

* 15m visits to farmers' markets are made each year with more than 60pc of markets saying the majority of customers are regulars;

* 80pc of neighbouring businesses have also seen a boost in trade following the establishment of a market nearby.

The report was published as two new farmers' markets were announced in North Yorkshire.

The Northern Dales farmers' market will have about 17 stalls in Thirsk market square on Monday and in Bedale on Tuesday from 8am until about 3pm.

The NFU said the huge growth in interest had arisen from farmers needing to supplement their income and the growing interest among consumers in fresh, locally produced food.

The stallholders at farmers' markets farmed locally and had grown, reared, cooked, brewed or baked the goods themselves.

Tim Bennett, NFU deputy president, said farmers' markets were becoming more and more a part of people's shopping habits in many towns and cities.

"They are a runaway success story which is pumping much-needed cash in to the rural economy and show that farmers have taken an innovative and determined approach to the farming crisis," he said.

"We now need to focus on how farmers can capitalise even further on a phenomenon that is providing them with such a valuable source of income during difficult times."

The survey of 250 market organisers was carried out in association with the National Association of Farmers' Markets and it did also reveal that the sector needed more support from local tourist boards, reduced rental and facility fees from local authorities and less red tape from Government