Buying local has never been so important, and in support of increasing local farm gate sales, the 2020 Comox Valley Growers Guide arrives today, showcasing over 40 different farms and producers, and a myriad of incredible products available throughout the seasons.
The Growers Guide has become the go-to tool for those looking for fresh, local products in the Comox Valley. Each producer listing shows icons of product types including farms that are bike accessible, and is supported by seasonal growing charts and maps indicating the producer’s location, plus editorial on a range of topics including local industry associations, seafood availability, and a message from the Minister of Agriculture, Lana Popham.
The partners in the Growers Guide expanded in this edition to include Mid-Island Farmers Institute, Comox Valley Exhibition, in addition to founding partners the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, Comox Valley Farmers’ Institute, and Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism.
This year has brought many new challenges to the local agrifood sector, and in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Taste Comox Valley App was established to promote shopping locally and to raise awareness around the farms and producers who sell direct to the public. Available from the Apple App Store or Google Play, users can download the app for free and start exploring farms, collecting points, deals and discounts using this interactive platform.
For those who like cycling and learning about agriculture, the annual Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20, and provides the opportunity to bike around the Valley to meet the producers and farmers, and learn about their practices and products. Presented by agricultural industry groups, and the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition and Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism, new for 2020 the registration fee will be replaced with donations to the Comox Valley Food Bank, in response to COVID-19.
“I want to congratulate the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, Comox Valley Exhibition Society, Mid-Island Farmers’ Institute, and Comox Valley Farmers’ Institute for their leadership in putting together this excellent guide for the local community,” said Popham.
Approximately 100,000 copies of the Growers Guide will be distributed via the Comox Valley Record and Island Black Press papers in June and again in July, as well as the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, the Vancouver Island (Comox Valley) Visitor Centre, through local participating farm stands, and can be found online at agrifoodcomoxvalley.com.