Due to its exceptionally fertile soil, market gardening is carried out on a commercial scale in the Vale of Evesham, which is known for its production of fruit, vegetables, asparagus, mushrooms etc.
A distinctive form of leasehold tenure, known as the Evesham Custom, still regulates market garden tenancies in the area. A decline in the second half of the 20th century resulted in the closing of Evesham’s Smithfield Market while the Central Market stopped being used for produce auctions.