Farmers’ Markets in Canada
The 100-mile diet kicked off a hunt for locally grown produce and other tasty victuals. Being so far north, it can be quite difficult to eat locally year round. But there’s no time like the present. Things are starting to wind down a little but it really is the season to get your locally grown produce.
To help in your quest, Green Belt Fresh is a fantastic resource for sussing out the locally grown produce in your area. With a handy map of Ontario Farmers’ Markets, you’ll find that local produce may be just a stone’s throw away. The website is also a good stop for food advice, recipes, and contests.
But GreenIndex is a national resource. What’s out there for our fellow citizens? Here’s a quick sample from west to east.
- BC Association of Farmers’ Markets
- The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association
- Saskatchewan Farmers’ Markets
- Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba
- Farmers’ Market Cooperative Nova Scotia
- PEI Fresh Farms
Not every province seems to have a comprehensive listing by an official body but this Travel to Wellness page has a short list of Farmers’ Markets for every province.
Now, the Farmers’ Market is a good place to start but from my own experience, not everything is identifiably local. For example, in the Guelph Farmers’ Market, Future’s Bakery from Toronto is a bit of a fixture. There are plenty of local bakeries that don’t rent booths at the Farmers’ Market that would be a more “local” choice. While purely anecdotal, I’ve also heard of “farmers” picking up produce at the Ontario Food Terminal and trucking to the Farmers’ Market.
In all cases, it would seem to be “buyer beware”. Not everything that’s for sale at the Farmers’ Market is necessarily organic or local. Get to know your producer and look for alternatives right in your hometown that don’t attend the Farmers’ Market. As usual, knowledge is the key.
posted by: Steve | posted on: 20 09 2008 | categories: