The cool, wet summer we’ve been experiencing has created special challenges for local farmers, unless they happen to be raising ducks. And more challenges are definitely not what they need.
To recognize all their hard work and the important role farmers play in our local economy, the Quesnel Farmers’ Market is proud to participate in the second annual Farmers Appreciation Week, celebrated throughout the province this first week of August.
Farmers’ markets all around the province will be celebrating the event.
Aug. 6, the Market will provide a large cake for all farmers and customers to enjoy.
Cake cutting will take place at 11:30 a.m. in front of the new stage area.
B.C. has the most diverse agricultural industry within Canada.
“This is a call to action to British Columbians, ” says Elizabeth Quinn, Manager of the British Columbia Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM).
“We’re asking people to come out to their local farmers’ market, enjoy the festivities, the fresh grown and prepared foods and thank B.C. farmers for bringing us healthy, quality, fresh food.
“In B.C., farmers make up only 1.6 per cent of our population, yet this small percentage produces an estimated 48 per cent of all foods consumed in B.C.
“Whether or not we are aware of it, British Columbians depend on B.C. farmers and B.C. farmland,” Elizabeth Quinn said.
Farmers Appreciation Week runs July 31 – Aug. 6, 2011 and will be celebrated at select farmers’ markets across BC.
The B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets is a not-for-profit association, representing 94 farmers markets including 1,000 farmers. The Association is committed to developing and strengthening the capacity of B.C. farmers’ markets in communities throughout B.C.
One key priority is to encourage the public to choose healthy B.C. grown agricultural products in order to maintain a secure B.C. food system, reduce our carbon footprint and ensure that we can keep B.C. farm-fresh food on B.C. plates for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Everyone hungry for the best of fresh, local produce, wonderful baking and ready-to-eat foods, tasteful crafts, great live music and a festive atmosphere is encouraged to come out to the Quesnel Market at the Helen Dixon School site, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday.