New farmers’ market concept brings more local produce to B.C. tables
Posted August 30, 2024 7:54 am.
Last Updated August 30, 2024 8:24 am.
With many Canadians currently facing high food costs, one B.C. farmer hopes to change the system around local produce.
Gagan Singh is a local blueberry farmer and founder of a new, affordable farmers’ market concept, where farmers get together to sell their own produce.
Singh says we often don’t see much local fruit and vegetables in grocery stores because of the systems in place.
“I started learning just how difficult it was for me to sell locally, but if I wanted to export my blueberries, it was razor quick,” he told 1130 NewsRadio.
Singh says this is one of the main reasons behind the markets, however, he adds not everyone is happy with what he is doing. Singh says some believe he is blaming farmers, themselves, but he stresses it’s the systems he wants to change.
“I’m trying to convince farmers to maybe reconsider their ways of selling, and see that trying these local farmers’ markets with your fellow farmers, it’s not going to cost you much. It’s a lot easier than you think, but I think farmers are hesitant to change.”
He hosted the first market last weekend and says while people were hesitant at first, there was still a great turnout.
“People were really skeptical. They couldn’t believe that if farmers open up their land and they invite other farmers to sell directly to us, we could get really good prices. So, there was over 300 people waiting in line at 9 a.m.,” Singh said.
Singh adds a lot of farmers sold out of their produce after close to 1,500 people attended.
The next event is slated for this weekend in Pitt Meadows.
