Your local farmers’ market is coming out of hibernation.
Over the next several months, farmers’ markets across the North Okanagan head outdoors to enjoy warmer spring weather and welcome shoppers back to their stalls.
To kick off a new season, the provincial government is providing a $75,000 grant to the B.C Association of Farmers’ Markets.
“The food sold at farmers’ markets is as fresh as it gets. Farmers are B.C.’s ultimate foodies, so most of the produce is picked that very day,” said Agriculture Minister Don McRae.
“This food comes out of the earth just hours before it’s sold and you can taste the difference. It’s crisp, colourful, healthy and above all, absolutely delicious.”
The funds will be used to implement the BCAFM’s 2011-2016 strategic plan.
“More than1,000 B.C. farmers sell their product at local farmers’ markets,” said BCAFM president Bob Callioux.
“The $75,000 provincial grant will help us ensure that money spent on local food at farmers’ markets stays in communities and continues to support farm families.”
More than 125 markets in urban and rural communities across the province are connecting people with farmers and food producers.
Quick Facts:
The number of farmers’ markets in B.C. has tripled over the last decade.
Farmers’ markets contribute at least $118 million a year to the province’s economy.
Buying local produce supports a family. Nine in 10 B.C. farms are family-owned and operated.
Local Markets
The Vernon Farmers’ Market runs Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Wesbild Centre.
The Armstrong Farmers’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the IPE fairgrounds.
In Lumby, the Public Market runs Saturdays at the Arbour Park Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Enderby Open Air Market takes place every Friday at the corner of Cliff Avenue and Maud Street. The hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Starting May 8, there will be an organic farmers’ market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Caravan Farm Theatre in Spallumcheen.
The Friday Night Farmers’ Market is at Vernon’s Village Green Centre starting the first Friday in May from 3 to 7 p.m.
