Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
Farmers' Market Shopping
Farmers' Markets get increased support.
The BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program is getting more funding from the BC and Canadian governments.
“Each public market is a privileged meeting place between our agri-food producers and consumers where relationships of trust are built,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “While supply chains are under pressure, using shorter supply chains is one way to promote food self-sufficiency. This new investment will allow many of British Columbia’s public markets to be even better equipped to serve their communities.”
The BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program is reopening, making $142,500 available to eligible farmers’ markets that did not receive funding in the first round. Each successful applicant can receive as much as $15,000.
“Farmers’ markets are the heart of our communities, and it’s extremely important they’re able to continue operating, especially during times of need such as emergencies,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “The response to the initial round of funding was so great that it was clear we needed to help more markets in their efforts to expand and operate during critical times. This will help support local food security and build a strong food economy for BC.”
Funding for this one-time, reimbursement-based program is being shared by the federal and provincial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and is being delivered in collaboration with the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. The program will help farmers’ markets grow and to operate during emergencies, while supporting the markets’ long-term success and contributing to resilient local food systems.
“The BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program has made everything we have been working toward a reality,” said Madeline Bourette-Knowles, executive director of the Esquimalt Farmers’ Market, a recipient of program support in the first round of funding.
To apply, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fmexpansion
