In the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island our Farmers' Market
(open Saturday only, April to October) operates pretty much as yours. It
is managed by a Smallholders' non-profit society. The land belongs to the
city of Duncan. Vendors pay a modest fee for booth space. Certified
organic is not required but nearly all vendors fit the heading organic or
natural. No meats are sold at the market but orders are taken. Processed
foods (from baked goods to honey) and handicrafts are permitted if made
locally (a flea market was not allowed). There is usually live musical
entertainment. The market, in its present form, is about four years old,
it is very well attended. Some things, like free range eggs, are sold out
within an hour of opening.
In addition to the market there is a farm-gate marketing group in Saanich
(30 to 45 minutes away) to which some of the Cowichan farms belong. They
publish an annual flyer in the form of an eight-page tabloid complete with
maps to locate farms, each farm listed with commodities produced, and a
calander when each commodity is ripe and ready for sale. About 60 farms
are represented. It is very successful.
Also in the Cowichan Valley are two farm stores, both organic, one Demeter
certified, open year around and offering weekly produce box programs, each
has a couple of hundred customers.
Hope this helps,
Don Maroc
Vancouver Island, Canada
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