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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 81 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 40,000 copies of the 2010 Farmers' Market guide for the consumer listing all farmers markets with their location, date and time of their market.
3. Implemented the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program from 2007-2010. 16 member farmers markets benefited from $12,000 worth of coupons flowing from low-income families to farmers. The redemption rate was higher than 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. As of June 2010 we are searching for new funding as well as developing a resource kit for all member farmers markets.
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.
8. Developed Marketsafe, Market Manager and Board Governance manuals and training programs.
9. Developed a list-serve for managers and boards of directors.
10. Created an online quarterly newsletter "Market Matters."
11. Held meetings in Winter 2010 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/foodsaleguidelines10.pdf

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