Romney Marsh farm shop vending machines sell out of hours

A Kent farm shop has turned to technology to sell local produce out of hours.

The Old Tractor Shed Farm Shop in Brookland has installed three vending machines which continue to offer a range of products when the main business is closed.

Visitors can pay for milk, pickles, meats, fruit juices and fresh vegetables sourced from suppliers on The Romney Marsh by tapping their bank cards and smart phones.

Co-owner Deborah Ovenden said: “This enables us to extend our hours to offer local produce to a wide range of people such as dog walkers and cyclists early in the morning when the shop is not open.

“There’s not many shops in the area so it’s also useful for people in the evening coming home from work.”

The vending machines are housed in shipping containers in front of the farm shop building. The owners are also planning to open a self service cafe in one of them.

The container for the fresh milk vending machine was previously used to house Turkish PPE equipment from the pandemic which was eventually rejected, co-owner Clive Ovenden said.

The initiative comes as many farms search for other ways to diversify their income.

“Farmers are struggling at the moment”, added Mrs Ovenden.

“This is an opportunity to sell our produce and that from the local area even when we are not there ourselves.”

The vending machines at The Old Tractor Shed Farm Shop are open each day between 07:00 and 21:00.