Local food producers could reap the benefits of a $75,000 grant presented to the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets.
“It was an unexpected windfall,” said Elizabeth Quinn, executive director of the group. “It shows that the government is aware of the increased demand for B.C. products.”
Earmarked for the association’s 2011-2016 strategic plan, Quinn said the cash will help strengthen the farm markets, give assistance and information for extending the season and help promote events and openings.
It will also support the development of strategies to address barriers met by small-scale producers and optimize marketing opportunities.
The grant stems from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agrifoods Strategy, a five-year plan, to take the $10.5-billion agrifoods industry to $14 billion by 2017 that includes supporting diversity and promotion of local products.
But not all farm market managers in Nanaimo agree on whether individual markets and food producers will profit from the grant money.
“We get cheaper rates on insurance through the association, that’s about it,” said Ann Smith, of the Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Dirk Becker, president of the Bowen Road and new Lantzville markets, rides the middle, suggesting the benefits to local markets remains to be seen.
He said the association provides several services that impact food processors and farmers, including discounts on the insurance, and promotion of the markets to the public.
“Whenever food is made more accessible to local communities through education and advertising there is a positive impact,” he said.
Betty Benson, owner of Cedar Poultry and manager of the Cedar Farmers’ Market, believes the association is vital to the success of the markets.
“They connect farmers and food producers with the right regulatory boards,” she said. “BCAFM consolidated the certification needed for food safety and other standardized regulations with the Vancouver Island Health Authority.”
Benson said the recent grant money was well placed and with the growth of markets around the province, an umbrella association like BCAFM can help ensure consistent safety for both producer and consumer.
Operating as a non-profit, the association is run by a volunteer board of directors made up of farmers and food producers. Its mandate is to support farming as a viable business.
Last year it received a similar grant and provided workshops, seminars and guest speakers to Vancouver Island members.
With more interest in a secure food system, promoting the markets to the consumer ensures the viability of farming into the future, said Quinn.
This bodes well for market vendors like Maureen Shaw of Shaw BioFarm. She attended the Cedar market last year and plans on doing the same this season.
For her family, the market serves up a cornucopia of benefits,
“We go to the markets to network, socialize and build community. If customers weren’t there, we wouldn’t go,” she said.
