Session 4:
Tracks
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM |
Overview
Opportunities for Farm Retailing and Farm Cafes
Speaker
John Stanley
Farmer and Consultant, Australia
Agritourism Training Academy
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. https://johnstanley.com.au/
Robert Copley
Farmer
Farmer Copleys Farm Shop, England
Farmer Copleys Farm Shop
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. https://farmercopleys.co.uk/
Will Docker
Farmer
Balgove Larder, Scotland
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.
www.balgove.com
Michael Dart
Farmer
Darts Farm, England
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. https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/