EXPLORE BC FARMERS' MARKET

Where local food products have flourished

As more people gravitate towards local food products, farmers market’s throughout BC have been a hot spot for finding the newest, most innovative items on the market. The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, also referred to as BCAFM, has watched the industry grow and evolve for over 20 years. They are a registered BC society that represents over 145 member farmer markets across the province. BCAFM is passionate about local food and helping BC markets, farmers, and businesses grow and thrive.

“What distinguishes our farmer markets is that they are 100% grow, make, bake, authentic markets with shared values and provide a direct channel from producer to consumer,” says Heather O’Hara, BCAFM Executive Director. “From all shapes and sizes of markets, small to large and rural to urban, we help support, develop, and promote member BC farmers’ markets.”

Back in 2000 when BCAFM was created, local food products weren’t as easy to come by. Farmers’ markets were places that blossomed the initiative of supporting local, that we love today. “Trends, consumer behavior, and retail has changed but ultimately at one time, it was difficult to find places where local food was sold,” says Heather, “An advantage of farmers’ markets is that they offer a direct sales channel to customers, cutting out the middle man to create a more profitable solution for local producers.” The association values food vendors of all kinds; farmers, food processors, and ready to eat vendors alike who they view as the most innovative agri-food entrepreneurs in our province. “We love the fact that a lot of them have started at the farmers market in launching and growing their business. We love that some of them continue to grow their business and stay at the farmers markets and love that some have gone on to other places, but often they started at the market,” says Heather, “Farmers markets are so important as a gateway to their business success.” �

In spring 2020 BCAFM launched the BC Farmers Market Online store initiative in response to the COVID pandemic. Some markets now have an online e-commerce component in addition to their in-person markets. By visiting the ‘BC Farmers’ Market Trail’ online, you can find a market as well as details including when they’re open, parking information, whether they allow pets, and if they have an online market. BCAFM works closely alongside Destination BC, as a sector partner, who supported the development of the BC Farmers’ Market Trail.

At the start of the COVID pandemic, the PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry designated farmers’ markets as an essential service to purchase food. Farmers’ markets have modified their markets on the ground to follow all ongoing COVID restrictions and protocols to ensure the safety of the public. From farmers’ markets in Northern BC, the Kootenays, Haida Gwaii, the Carbioo, the Lower Mainland, and everywhere in between – these markets are a great place to find fresh food, prepared foods, and local artisan, all while supporting local businesses and the economy.

FOLLOW THE TRAIL

Looking for a farmers' market? bcfarmersmarkettrail.com is a guide to 145+ authentic farmers' markets across British Columbia.

Explore the diverse regions of BC, and learn about the passionate growers, makers and bakers you’ll find at farmers’ markets along this Trail.

Learn more about the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and their members at bcfarmersmarket.org

Story by Sierra Simpson