Farmers Appreciation Week Sept. 8-15 is being celebrated at select farmers’ markets in B.C. This week is an important time to reflect on the contribution of farming, and on how we can support those who bring us healthy and bountiful food.
“B.C. farmers are our best source for fresh, healthy, local food,” says Jon Bell, BCAFM president. “Farmers Appreciation Week gives farmers’ markets and consumers an opportunity to express our gratitude and recognize the thousands of B.C. farmers contributing to our health, our communities and our economy.”
Consumer demand for locally produced, fresh and nutritious food has grown rapidly over the past 10 years. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2012 about 20,000 farms, utilizing less than three per cent of the provincial land base (2.6 million hectares), produced more than 200 agriculture products.
In the Comox Valley, we show our support for farmers every week on the field at the Exhibition Grounds, hosting over 60 farm and food vendors each week, as well as downtown midweek at the Wednesday market. Shoppers flock to both markets this time of year to find the most luscious and plentiful locally grown veggies and meats.
This weekend, drop by the manager’s tent beside the stage to fill out a thank you card for your favourite farmer, donate to a new farmer bursary, or offer a poem or tribute to local farmers on the stage between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. Children are welcome to show their appreciation with a drawing or card for their favourite farmer or farm product. Materials will be provided.
The Comox Valley Farmers Market remains outside until Oct. 18, moving inside Oct. 25 to the Native Son’s Hall where it stays until spring.
The downtown Wednesday market on England Avenue runs until the end of September.