Months after opening, a Llanfyllin market garden has closed its Honesty Shop to sell produce at other outlets.

Llanfyllin’s Pili Pala Farm closed its Honest Shop on August 21, but has stated it is a result of re-evaluating what works best for the market garden.

The chemical free farm opened its Honesty farm-shop on June 9 and has since struck an agreement to supply the Spar and Down to Earth with locally grown produce, in addition to the garden’s own market stalls and online store.

However, Pili Pala have now stated that they are transferring focus from the Honesty Shop to their stand in the Spar and their market stall.

They stated, via social media: “After a few months of opening the farm, we are evaluating what's working here at Pili-Pala and, ultimately, what customers are wanting.

“It's incredibly difficult to manage stocking at both outlets, and customers are favouring the centrality and convenience of the Spar, which works well for us also.

“Consequently, we will be closing the honesty shop indefinitely. It will still act as a collection point for veg bags and orders for the time being.

“So, please continue to show your support and buy our seasonal produce from Llanfyllin Spar, year round. Every item you buy, is a massive help to us. We aim to develop this stand, and build on this local partnership.”

Llanfyllin Mayor Peter Lewis was in attendance to open the shop in June and was there to see the shop’s first day, which Pili Pala labelled a big success as the shop reportedly sold all its stock within the first few hours.

Pili Pala gardener Thomas Edwards had stated that opening an outlet in partnership with Llanfyllin Spar was not part of the one-acre farm’s initial plan, but they have been adapting the way the business runs and operated to suit their customers.

He added: “Going forward we want to let the community decide how we supply them with produce. We would like to see what people prefer and work to develop how we can best deliver that.

“We are trying to tick a lot of boxes when it comes to convenience that will allow us to reach as many people as we can.”