[BCFSN] food Digest, Vol 420, Issue 1

[Lydia Travers]

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Celebrating Local Farmers with the 6th Annual Farmers Appreciation
Week September 12th - 19th

For Immediate Release

September 9, 2015 (VANCOUVER, BC) – Celebrate BC farmers and local
food September 12th -19th with the BC Association of Farmers’
Markets' (BCAFM) 6th annual Farmers Appreciation Week (
http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/markets/farmers-appreciation-week-2015
). Special events will be taking place at farmers' markets across the
province to mark the occasion and the public is invited to join the
fun.

Along with musical tributes, parades and corn roasts, the public can
show their appreciation for farmers with the Ode To A Farmer poetry
contest (
http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/markets/farmers-appreciation-week-2015#Poetry
). The grand prizewinner will receive $150 to spend at their favourite
BCAFM farmers’ market. Submissions are being accepted online (
http://fluidsurveys.com/s/fawpoetry/?TEST_DATA=&_cb=hiQrQKMn40 ) or by
mail until Sunday, September 13, 2015.

As much of the province experienced the highest drought ratings and
water restrictions this summer, Farmers Appreciation Week is an
important time to reflect on the contributions of farmers in BC. For
the 98 per cent of BC farms that are family-run, agriculture is not
only a business, but a way of life.

“Farmers feed us,” says Elizabeth Quinn, BCAFM Executive Director.
“They shape and contribute to our everyday lives, whether it’s by
providing fresh food throughout the year at farmers’ markets,
grocery stores and farm stands, or by preserving farmland and green
space.” Studies have shown that 48 per cent of what British
Columbians consume is produced by BC farmers. British Columbians can
show their appreciation for BC farmers throughout the week by choosing
products that are grown close to home.

“In the past 10 years consumers have increasingly been asking for
local, fresh and nutritious food, and BC farmers are the ones filling
this demand. Farmers Appreciation Week is a time when we can show our
support for farmers and thank them for making a difference to our
communities, health and well being,” says Georgia Stanley, BCAFM’s
Membership & Communications Manager.

There are around 20,000 farms operating in BC who led the way in the
national sales of blueberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, pears,
apricots, Brussel sprouts and rhubarb in 2012. Contributing over $170
million in economic benefits, farmers’ markets are also key places
where the public can connect with local farmers and learn more about
local food.

The BCAFM is a not-for-profit association that represents 125
farmers’ markets across the province and works to support, develop
and promote farmers’ markets in all regions of BC. For more
information on the BCAFM or to find a farmers’ market near you,
visit www.bcfarmersmarket.org.

Farmers Appreciation Week 2015 on Social Media:

Website:
http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/markets/farmers-appreciation-week-2015
Twitter ( https://twitter.com/bcfarmersmarket ) & Instagram (
https://instagram.com/bcfarmersmarket ): @BCFarmersMarket
#BCFarmersWeek
Facebook: facebook.com/BCAFM ( https://www.facebook.com/BCAFM )

CONTACT:
Georgia Stanley
Membership & Communications Manager, BC Association of Farmers’
Markets
604-734-9797
georgia at bcfarmersmarket.org

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