Farm Retail Experts Announced for Global Conference Key Note Session
Four industry experts will participate in Key Note Session 4 – Future Opportunities for Farm Retailing and Farm Cafés – at the Global Agritourism Conference (23 – 25 June, Aberdeen). The line up includes well known authorities on farm retail, cafes and farming from large, award winning businesses, which offer authentic, quality agritourism and eating experiences in Australia, England and Scotland.
The session will focus on building significant farm retail and café/restaurant enterprises around the sale of farm produce, including adding value to direct sales and the opportunities to enrich food and drink experiences for consumers.
John Stanley, John Stanley Associates
John and his wife, Linda, own the award-winning Chestnut Brae in Western Australia, a 1,000-tree sweet chestnut farm in the agritourism sector. John has become an expert on farm retail merchandising, display and layout and has mentored many business owners across the globe. John had been a consultant to farmers in agritourism and farm retail for 50 years and has clients in 35 countries on every continent where agritourism exists.
Rob Copley, Farmer Copleys
Rob Copley is the co-founder of Farmer Copleys, one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated farm retail destinations. Alongside his wife, Heather, he launched the farm shop and cafe on the family’s Ravensknowle Farm near Pontefract in 2003. What started as a small butchery has grown into a thriving business employing around 100 people, with a farm shop, the popular Moo Cafe, and seasonal experiences such as pumpkin and sunflower festivals that attract visitors from across the UK.
Will Docker, Balgove Larder
Will Docker is a director of Balgove Larder, located on the edge of the historic town of St Andrews, Scotland. Balgove Larder is one of Scotland’s highest-rated farm shops with its own butchery counter selling meat from the farm and also houses a legendary Steak Barn, café and home store. Balgove hosts regular night markets throughout the year. All aspects of Balgove were founded by Will and co-founder Henry Cheape. Will was formerly a chef with experience in London through to the Arctic.
Michael Dart, Darts Farm
Darts Farm was established in 1971 by Ronald Dart in Devon, England. Today, his son Michael runs the business alongside his two brothers, James and Paul. Darts Farm is one of England’s largest agritourism enterprises with retail of produce from the farm, various farm cafes and restaurants, a wellness spa and a vineyard. Michael is a Nuffield Scholar, and in 2025, Darts Farm was recognised as the best large farm shop in the UK in the Farm Retail Awards and was also awarded the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.
