The Centralized Farmers' Market (CFM), in partnership with Skookum Food Provisioners Cooperative, was launched Saturday, June 14, and this coming Saturday, July 5, will be the fourth to take place at the old Civic Arena site at Willingdon Beach.
Although it's too soon to have a clear understanding of the overall success of the market, the Peak checked in with one of the organizers, Kate Sutherland, to ask about how the market is going so far.
"What I have heard is that people attending the central farmers’ market are grateful for an option that is easy to access on foot, by transit, by car, has lots of parking and is in close proximity to where they are doing other errands," said Sutherland. "Many have commented that having a farmers' market at Willingdon Beach is a great use of this key community location."
Sutherland said attendance has been great so far and is sustained for the full three-hours of the market.
"Farmers are selling all or almost all their produce," said Sutherland. "Farmers who have been at the MacLeod Road market [Powell River Farmers' Market] for years comment that about 50 per cent of the people they see at the new market are new faces."
The CFM working group is comprised of farmers and community members Darcy Broatch, Devon Hanley, Steve Short, Ron Berezan, Aaron Mazurek, Lori Brouwer and Sutherland, who said that the core rationale for the new market is that it would reach more people, and grow the number of people buying local food.
"Some customers attend both markets to be able to buy produce sold only at one or other," said Sutherland. "The CFM is an excellent option if you are looking for a quick stop to get great produce; the McLeod Road market is an excellent option if you want to hang out with friends/your kids, ride the train, and enjoy a more park-like atmosphere."
Sutherland said anecdotally, Marine Avenue vendors are already feeling an increase to their businesses on Saturday mornings.
Types of produce being sold at the farmers' market now: Lettuce, arugula, chard, napa cabbage, kale, cabbage spinach; broccoli and cauliflower; beets, carrots, zucchini, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers; eggs, meat; garlic scapes, green onions; cherries, blueberries, and strawberries.
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