Our Cooperative Foundation

Country Markets Ltd operates as a Co-operative Society registered under the Provident and Industrial Societies Act of 1893. Each local market is an integral part of Country Markets Ltd and follows the same rules established by the Society's Committee of Management and its members at the General Meeting.

A Rich History

Founded in 1946 by the Irish Countrywomen's Association and the Irish Homespun Society, Country Markets Ltd has a longstanding tradition of empowering members and building stronger communities.

Benefits of Membership

Membership comes with several benefits, including:

• Annual Audit Coverage.

• Public Liability Insurance.

• Product Liability Coverage.

• Registration of the Branch Market.

• The Country Markets Ltd receive a grant from the Department of Agriculture to help the running of the organisation and to promote its ethos for which we are very grateful.

• Affiliation fees to the Irish Co-operative Society (ICOS).

• Regional Meetings and Training Workshops.

• Travel expenses for the Management Committee to attend Society-related meetings.

Branch Markets

Each branch operates as a local co-operative market, following the rules and guidelines set by the Society's Management Committee.

Cooperative Selling

At Country Markets Ltd, we emphasize cooperative selling:

• Only produce made, baked, or grown by registered producers can be offered for sale.

• Members agree to actively participate in running their markets, including setting up, displaying produce, and assisting customers.

• Members cannot sell under their own name but are assigned a producer number, ensuring fairness.

Display and Sales

All produce is displayed and sold together, emphasizing cooperation:

• Produce is grouped by type, such as bread, cakes, buns, and more.

• The market deducts a monthly levy from each producer's sales to cover running costs.

Diverse Offerings

Most markets offer a wide range of products, including:

• Baked Goods

• Preserves (Jams, marmalades, chutneys, honey, pickles)

• Homegrown Vegetables

• Farm Fresh Eggs

• Savories and Salads

• Fresh Cut Flowers and Homegrown Plants

• Crafts (home-produced)

• Tea and Coffee (for on-site consumption)

Quality Assurance

All markets are regularly inspected by Environmental Health Officers, ensuring compliance with Food Safety Authority of Ireland guidelines.