People have strong ties to their local farmers’ market since markets foster a sense of belonging and create community.
A farmers' market is a place where you come to learn about healthy food. It’s a meeting place to connect with friends, family and neighbours. It’s a springboard for local farmers to introduce their wares to new audiences, and it is a celebration of community and the bounty of our land. People come to farmers' markets week after week for many reasons, including the community gathering experience, the opportunity to talk directly to farmers, and the reassurance that they are eating nutritious and ethically sourced food. Whatever the reason, there is something magical that happens at a farmers' market, and our goal is to preserve and nurture that magic.
IT'S GOOD FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY
When you provide your family with juicy peaches, hormone-free chicken and crisp baby carrots, eating healthy becomes very easy, not to mention incredibly enjoyable. By spending your food dollars at the market you are investing in you and your family’s health.
It's Good For BC Farmers & Communities
When farmers sell at the market they get to bring home 100% of the retail price – this means that your money stays and works in the community. By supporting local farmers you are voting with your dollar to keep BC farmers farming, and safeguarding BC’s agricultural land for future generations.
It's Better For Our Environment
The fresh produce sold at BC farmers’ markets usually travels less that 300km to get to you. Compare this to the average North American meal, which travels 2,400km to get from field to plate and contains ingredients from 5 countries in addition to our own. All that transportation results in a lot of fossil fuels being burned, which contributes to air pollution, acid rain and climate change.
Learn more about BC Agriculture
ADVANTAGES OF SHOPPING LOCALLY
In a nutshell, most farmers' market customers come to the markets for the superior quality and freshness, unusual varieties, and a chance to support local agriculture and meet the farmers who grow their food. If you can get much higher quality at a competitive price, you're getting a lot better value for your money!
Top Reasons to Visit Your Farmers' Market Regularly:
- Taste local or regional and hence fresher, food.
- Enjoy mouth-watering, tasty, delicious foods that are available in-season only.
- Buy a variety of specialty foods that will impress your dinner guests.
- Discover a wide variety of "new" specialty products that offer new tastes and flavours.
- Enjoy foods produced with fewer chemicals thus protecting your health and the environment.
- Support farmers who are committed to the humane treatment of animals.
- Seek out foods produced in a unique way.
- Meet the farmer who grows your food and ask them for details on how the product was produced.
- Pick up some cooking tips and recipes from Chefs and Producers.
- Purchase foods at the market and support the future of family farms and food security in British Columbia.
- Reduce your carbon-imprint by walking or cycling to your community farmers' market.
- Connect with your neighbours and community.
Just remember to bring your biodegradable shopping bag to the market, relax, meet friends, enjoy the entertainment and the experience of shopping for foods that reflect the authenticity of British Columbia's farms.