Media: BCAFM In The News :: Government encourages support of local farmers' markets
The Local (Sunshine Coast), Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands media release
Government encourages support of local farmers' markets
VICTORIA - The farmers' market season is in full swing and British Columbians are encouraged to consult this year's market listings and take advantage of the opportunity to buy fresh local goods, Stan Hagen, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, announced today.
"More and more people are realizing the health and environmental benefits of buying locally produced foods," said Minister Hagen. "One of the best ways to access these quality products is by supporting community farmers' markets and with the listings now available it will be easy to find a farmers' market in your area."
With the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets (BCAFM) has compiled a brochure that contains all the locations, times and dates for farmers' markets across the province. The listings will be available at tourist information centres in most B.C. towns and communities by the first week of August.
"Farmers' markets are essential to a healthy agricultural sector because they support family farms," said Mary Forstbauer, president of the BCAFM. "It's been great having the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands' collaboration in bringing public attention to a great source of local products."
Farmers' markets are an excellent place to socialize, try new local foods and connect with the people who produce our food. They also represent a value of more than $118 million each year to local economies, making them an important link in a viable agricultural sector. This year, as part of the BC150 celebrations, many markets are also holding special "Feastivals" where families can enjoy special items prepared by local chefs, contests and celebrations of agriculture's heritage in B.C., from First Nations' early innovations to modern family farms.
As part of its recently released B.C. Agriculture Plan: Growing a Healthy Future for B.C. Families, the government has made support for farmers' markets a priority because the markets provide an opportunity to buy local and promote a sustainable agriculture industry.
To pick up a copy of the farmers' market listings, check with your local tourist info centre after August 8, or log on to www.bcfarmersmarket.org to find the market in your community.