[BCFSN] Celebrating Local Farmers with Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept 12-18

[BC Association of Farmers' Markets]

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Celebrating Local Farmers with Farmers Appreciation Week,** September 12-18*
For Immediate Release

September 9, 2016 (VANCOUVER, BC) – British Columbians will be celebrating
local farmers as part of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets’ (BCAFM)
seventh annual Farmers Appreciation Week
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=b65278cd7a&e=15ef422b54>,
September 12-18. Farmers’ markets throughout the province will be hosting
special events during the month to mark the occasion and the public is
invited to join in the festivities in communities across BC
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=0225378f41&e=15ef422b54>
.

According to the most recent Statistics Canada census of agriculture
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=268b7fb0e4&e=15ef422b54>
data from 2011, BC is home to over 19,000 farms. Ninety eight per cent of
those are family farms. The average age of Canadian farmers has increased
in every province, but BC continues to have the oldest farmers in the
country, with an average age of 55.7 years. Despite this trend, BCAFM
executive director, Heather O’Hara is hopeful about the future of farming
in BC. “There is a burgeoning community of young and new farmers in BC that
are using farmers’ markets to grow their farms, learn the ropes, and test
out new products. We’ve seen the development of new farm schools at
academic institutions throughout BC and the growth of organizations like
the Young Agrarians
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=871b4b8b50&e=15ef422b54>.
These young farmers are bringing new life into BC’s farming sector and
they’re building on the legacy that’s been established by the farmers that
have come before them,” said O’Hara.

Special events at local farmers’ markets will include fall festivals,
barbecues, corn roasts, cake cutting ceremonies, a parade for young future
farmers, and more. In addition to special events, the public can pay
tribute to BC farmers by entering the Ode To a Farmer poetry contest
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=c7926864c3&e=15ef422b54>.
Poets of all levels are invited to show their appreciation for farmers in
the form of a poem, for a chance to win $150 to spend at their favourite
farmers’ market. Submissions are being accepted until midnight, September
18.

“We have farmers to thank for the food we eat and enjoy every day. They are
the dedicated stewards who grow, harvest and bring the food we eat to life.
Farmers, and their deep and vast skills and knowledge, are to be admired,”
said O’Hara.

British Columbians can support local farmers by joining in the Farmers
Appreciation Week celebrations at their local farmers’ market. Details for
over 135 BC farmers’ markets can be found online at
markets.bcfarmersmarket.org
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=18c1e3ae35&e=15ef422b54>
.

The BCAFM is a not-for-profit association that represents 135 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
<http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=1ad6d63803&e=15ef422b54>
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- 30 -

*B.C Farmers, Food and Markets at a Glance*

   - Fact sheet
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*Farmers Appreciation Week on Social Media:*

   - Webpage: http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/fresh-market/farmers-
   appreciation-week-2016
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   - Twitter: @BCFarmersMarket
   <http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=54838aac2d&e=15ef422b54>
   - Instagram: @BCFarmersMarket
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   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCAFM
   <http://bcfarmersmarket.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=88c92093da3dfca5bdfee389a&id=999b1654df&e=15ef422b54>
   - Hashtag: #BCFarmersWeek and #LoveYourLocalFarmer


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

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*Copyright © 2016 BCAFM, All rights reserved.*

*Questions? Contact us:*
203-2642 Main St. Vancouver, BC. V5T 3E6.
604-734-9797
info at bcfarmersmarket.org





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