September 8 to 15 is the fourth annual Farmers Appreciation Week which celebrates local food and farmers, and addresses issues facing the local food system.
BC farmers markets are hosting activities from farm tours to antique farm equipment displays in celebration.
According to the 2011 Canadian Census of Agriculture, the average age of farmers in BC is higher than the national average. As they get older, the total number of farmers is decreasing. Thats why the BC Association of Farmers Markets is emphasizing the need to support young farmers since they are the future to sustaining an eat local, buy local food moment and system.
Only five per cent of the land in BC is appropriate for farming and only one per cent of this represents the best soil. Our farmers produce almost half of the food we eat in BC and resources and farmland are scarce.
Farmers produce quality products at affordable prices using sustainable practices, and they rely on public support from chefs and consumers. They supply farm-to-table restaurants and offer Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) a model where consumers purchase a share of the anticipated harvest in advance, to help farmers early in the season with start-up costs. In return shareholders get weekly supplies of fresh produce.
Here are just a few of the many farms selling quality produce at local farmers markets:
It is a cooperatively owned and operated farming collective in Aldergrove. They offer CertifiedOrganicsalad greens (over 30 kinds), vegetables, herbs, edible flowers and some fruits.
Where to try: Burdock & Co., The Farmers Apprentice, West, Seasonal Restaurant 56 and more
Where to buy: Under the name of Organic Farm Connection find them at the Langley Farmers Market on Wednesdays, at theTrout Lake Farmers Marketon Saturdays, and at the andKitsilano Farmers Marketon Sundays. GloriousOrganics.com
Kevin and Annamrie Klippenstein have been farming Klippers Organic Acres since 2001. What started as five acres has become 40 acres in Similkameen Valley. They use organic, energy efficient and sustainable farming practices.
Where to try: Bishops, C Restaurant, Ethical Kitchen and more
Where to buy: At various Vancouver Farmers Markets.
This sustainable year-round community farm is spread over three acres in Burnaby, Delta, Richmond and Vancouver. They grow vegetables and herbs and raise Berkshire and Tamworth pigs, Cayuga and Muscovy ducks, heritage chickens and more.
Where to try: Bishops, Fable, Pidgin, Wildebeest and more
Where to buy: At the River District Farmers Market or Southland Farmers Markets on Saturdays.
If youre interested in foraging with Glorious Organics, their Fraser Common Farm in Langley is hosting a farm dinner event created by chef Chris Whittaker of Forage restaurant on Sept. 14. The event includes a farm tour, foraging, reception, drinks, musical guests and a multi-course dinner using ingredients you helped pick. Tickets $70. Eventbrite.ca/event/7466104319.
