Local Flavours, Familiar Faces!

BC Association of Farmers' Markets

The BC Association of Farmers' Markets (BCAFM) is a provincially registered, non-profit association, run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our membership includes farmers' markets, vendors and other interested groups and individuals.

About BCAFM (Industry info)

Background

In late 1999, the Kamloops and Salmon Arm Farmers' Markets decided to sponsor a conference for all farmers' markets in BC, which was held in March 2000. A goal was set to form an association that would represent all the province's farmers' markets. At the conference a steering committee was appointed and over the next several months the Association was incorporated under NO. S-42371.

The BC Association of Farmers' markets represents over 65 markets in the Province. There are a number of sound business reasons for joining the Association and for more information, please see the section on Membership Benefits.

Over the years, the Association has "come a long way." The following list of accomplishments and activities of the BCAFM will provide you with more reasons to join us. In a nutshell, we're proud to announce the following accomplishments:

1. Partnered with Tourism British Columbia to have the BC farmers markets listed on the Hello BC web page at www.hellobc.com. 
2. Developed and distributed over 70,000 copies of the 2007 Farmers' Market guide for the consumer listing all farmers markets with their location, date and time of their market.
3. Implemented the 2007 BC Farmers' Market Food and Nutrition Coupon Program. This program was a pilot and has just completed. We are waiting for the final report. To date we know that the program was successful in that $35,000 in coupons was distributed to low income families with children around BC. One town in each of the five health regions in the province received $7000. The redemption rate was higher that anticipated and Farmers Markets were highlighted around the province because of this program. More information about the program can be found at www.bcfarmersmarket.org/ind/fmncp.htm.
4. Hired a Special Projects Coordinator who has and will continue to:
   1. link BCAFM with the Eat BC program
   2. expand the Chefs Shop at Farmers' Markets program
5. Continuing to work with the Province's BC150 Program to allow member markets the opportunity to secure funding for organizing and executing BC 150 celebrations at their market in 2008. A BC 150 Coordinator has been hired to work with the markets to offer guidance. Each market will also receive promotional materials and a banner showcasing BC150 years in Agriculture.
6. Continuing to revamp and update the BCAFM website at www.bcfarmersmarket.org. This process is now underway and will be ongoing.
7. Completed an economic impact study of farmers' markets in summer 2006 with David Connell at UNBC who received IAF funding through BCAFM to study the economic impact of farmers markets in BC. His report has been filed and can be viewed at www.unbc.ca/planning/localfood/reports.html
8. Worked with a group of dedicated Douglas College Students who created a 2007 marketing plan for BCAFM.
9. Developed a list-serve for managers and boards of directors.
10. Created an online quarterly newsletter "Market Matters."
11. Held meetings in Spring 2007 with Larry Copeland, Director, Food Protection Services BC Centre For Disease Control and health officers from all five health regions. At this meeting we worked together to create Guidelines for the sale of low risk foods at temporary food markets. www.bcfarmersmarket.org/ind/pdf/foodsaleguidelines07.pdf

Top