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Lots of choices this farmers’ market season
B.C.’s busy farmers market season has begun, and there is no shortage of awesome markets taking place around the East Kootenay.
Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, encourages British Columbians to ‘Buy BC’ this summer by visiting their local farmers market in the province to find fresh produce, meat, locally prepared foods and artisan products.
“When Buy BC was re-launched last year, we wanted to make it easy for consumers to identify local foods and beverages and connect them to the people behind the fresh products they enjoy,” she said. “Farmers markets are a great place to find some of the best local products and to meet the individuals growing, raising, processing and producing the food on their plates.”
The Kootenay Rockies Columbia Basin boasts more than 20 farmers’ markets where the people who grow your food harvest those fruits and veggies at their peak of deliciousness. Find orchard fruits, berries, fresh veggies, locally raised meat, artisanal cheese and world famous cherries.
Locally, there are six BC Farmers’ Market Trail markets to check out in the region and nearby, including:
Cranbrook Farmers’ Market – June 22 – Oct. 12: every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kimberley Farmers’ Market – June 20 – Sept. 19: every Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Agri Park Farmers’ Market (Invermere) – July 3 – Sept. 4: every Wednesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Fernie Mountain Market – July 7 – Sept. 1: every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Riverview Farmers’ Market (Elkford) – July 3 – August 28: every Wednesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Creston Farmers’ Market – May 4 – Oct. 12: every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
However, there are also great markets in:
Baynes Lake Farmers’ Market – June 15 – Sept. 2: every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sparwood Farmers’ Market – June 28 – August 30: every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
The province is supporting more lower-income households to access the fresh, locally grown, healthy food found at B.C. farmers markets through the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. This program, delivered by BCAFM, allows British Columbians to connect with each other around food and community, while directly supporting local farmers throughout the province. Every dollar redeemed at a farmer’s market goes directly to the local farmer, grower and producer, and strengthens local economies.
“B.C. farmers markets are an incredible way for locals and tourists alike to connect and buy some of the best food B.C. has to offer,” said Heather O’Hara, executive director, BCAFM. “We are very proud of the recognition of the Ministry of Agriculture for the valuable work of farmers markets and the thousands of farmers who grow some of the best farm-fresh food B.C. has to offer.”
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