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BC residents are encouraged to continue to buy locally by shopping at farmers markets online through a new program.
Photo Gemma Billings via flickr.com
BC Farmers Markets move online
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 3:55 PDT, Fri March 27, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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British Columbians will be able to continue buying locally grown and prepared foods at farmers markets.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is helping member markets move to an online model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s important to support your community and each other during this time of uncertainty, and a virtual shopping trip to a farmers market is an easy way to get the groceries on your list and to Buy BC, while ensuring physical distancing measures are being followed,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “Moving farmers markets online will help ensure the health and safety of vendors and consumers, while still providing the same fresh and local food that families all over the province count on.”
BCAFM has 145 member markets operating in BC. This includes three in Richmond: the Cannery Farmer’s Market, the Kwantlen St. Market, and the Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market.
All member markets are eligible for funding that will help them transition to an online platform to continue selling to community members.
“Our member farmers markets continue to modify their operations to ensure the health and safety of customers, vendors and market organizers alike, and in further response to COVID-19, our new BC Farmers’ Markets Online platform will offer a new shopping channel for the peak farmers market season this summer,” said BCAFM executive director Heather O’Hara.
As well as providing locally grown food to consumers, these markets support the livelihood of many BC farmers and their families.
The BC government is providing $55,000 to cover fees so that individual farmers markets can join the online platform. Then, each participating market can create its own online store.
For more information on BC’s member farmers markets, or to see which markets are launching online operations, visit their website.
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