Farmers Markets – Celebrating Food

Posted on by Rebecca Budd

“Shake the hand that feeds you.” Michael Pollan

Farmers markets are flourishing across the country.

Meandering through the stalls of fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade bread and cakes, cheese and eggs, we are drawn into the story of humanity. Farmer markets connect us with our past, and present an optimistic alternative to a dreaded dystopian future.

Farmers markets have an essential social and economic role in our communities. They are a celebration of food, bringing us closer to the soil, to the garden, to the fresh air, and to each other.

Farmers markets are an essential step to restoring city food economies. They provide local farmers an efficient and cost-effective retail sales opportunity that will increase the profitability of their farming enterprises. Vital farmland is preserved and a new generation of farmers are encouraged to embrace farming as a full time occupation.

Farmers markets remind us that we still have links to the soil; that farms remain viable because of our food choices.

Join me on my walk through Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market.

Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market from Rebecca Budd aka Clanmother on Vimeo.

23 thoughts on “Farmers Markets – Celebrating Food”

  1. In our local community, Rebecca, are a number of farmer’s markets. I truly enjoy seeing such folk out and about selling their wares. Their produce isn’t always the finest looking, due to their organic practises, however the freshness cannot be equalled.
    Your delightful post has me questioning why I haven’t thought to whip out my camera! There really are some wonderful, down to earth, interesting happenings all around – should we be open to them.

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    1. I love Farmers markets because there is a connection to the soil and the people who provide food. This is the decade of family farming and I have been using it to do a mini research project. Here are some Canadian statistics: “The UN says family farming produces about 80 per cent of the world’s food, on 70-80 per cent of the available farmland. That figure is significantly higher in Canada, where family farms are said to account for as much as 97 per cent of all farms. https://www.realagriculture.com/2019/06/taking-advantage-of-the-decade-of-family-farming/. I confess that when I stop by local grocery store, I don’t connect the food with farming. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our farming community. And cameras – yes, they are an invaluable tool to stop time and capture memories.

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      1. There are many aspects of farming that have been a constant thought for me over the past few years. Last year I returned to vegetarian eating, which has been wonderful; I loved vegetarian eating during the nineties and early noughties. Since December 2019 I have been eating a vegan diet, which I love even more – the variety it has created within my diet is a joy – I do love to cook!
        In my research I came across this webpage, which I believe is the future, more or less. https://www.slowfood.com/much-meat-eat/explosion-of-animal-farming/the-hidden-costs-of-meat/
        One item of interest to me is in regard to the many dairy farm closures worldwide; a contentious issue indeed. However, veganism is the fastest growing diet worldwide with many other individuals decreasing their meat and dairy consumption.
        As whole plant foods continue their rise in popularity it will be very interesting to observe the many changes that will take place within the lives of many farmers. I would imagine this change, as it has been to date, will bring hardship to many. However, Rebecca, I don’t think we can halt the new status quo. It is what it is.

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      2. It will indeed be an interesting transition as we become more aware of how to engage with our earth, the soil, and our fellow creatures that share our planet. I grew up in South America where rice and beans were a staple. It is still my most favourite meal. I believe that more and more people are supporting local farmers and becoming aware of the link of food to farming – that food on the grocery shelves comes from someone’s garden. Vancouver’s food strategy of urban gardens is well underway, with small garden plots are sprouting up all over the city. I’ve seen tomatoes to squash, carrots to sunflower seeds grow on city blocks next to tall buildings. It is heartening to see a growing trend to support farmers. Our very survival depends upon their efforts.And the coming status quo may be that city dwellers may become the farmers of the future. Exciting!!!

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      3. Vancouver’s food strategy of urban gardens. What a wonderful strategy! Thank You so much for enlightening me.
        Those wonderful visuals have encouraged me to the belief that we can work with sustainable farming goals; even in our own backyards, so to speak.
        Exciting you say. Exciting it surely is.

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    1. I am fascinated by farmers markets. They remind me of what it must have like to have market days 100 years ago where everyone could exchange the latest news, including the local gossip. The story of humanity is the story of food. And I love food – especially those decadent scones with cream and jam. Hugs!!!

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  3. I’ve just come back from Canada and on of the things that striked me the most was the thriving local food markets and small producers. Everyone’s ‘having a go’ which is so refreshing to see. Take me back!!

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  5. I adore Farmers’ Markets. They flourish in Toronto.
    Roncesvalles Village is a last bastion 365 day a year dedicated to that idea.
    There may only be 10 root vegetables, greenhouse tomatoes, lettuce and sweet peppers but with the addition of a very few imports; and what one froze, dried or preserved in the late summer/early fall, it’s a healthy diet.
    Eat on! We are so food fortunate in our country.

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    1. I had to look up the Farmers Market in Roncesvalles Village. I think I have the right website – which looks absolutely fabulous. https://www.soraurenmarket.com/

      Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who grew up on a farm and now has a marvelous vegetable in her backyard. She was thinking about what her grandmother would say of her growing lemongrass in her garden. In the past, most gardens will filled with potatoes, onions, and carrots – things that could last into the winter months. Yes we are so “food fortunate” in our country. I am going to use that phrase in a podcast. Hugs coming your way. Eating on….

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      1. Yes, the Sorauren Market is the one in our hood. It is a fab happening every Monday.
        However, Roncesvalles Village is an old fashioned hangover from the past. It is replete with green grocers that buy locally, restaurants that buy and menu locally & seasonally. We have a few clothing boutiques that can only survive in an area such as this, like a time before big brands and internet. We have several bookstores, local bakeries, yoga studios, and other stores that sell art and knick-knacks.
        There is an old Revue Theatre, that the neighbourhood will not let fail.
        The beach on Lake Ontario is a few blocks in one direction, High park (Toronto’s Stanley Park) in the other direction.
        It’s quite fab here! 😀

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      2. I have just added Roncesvalles Village to my essential “to see” list. What a marvelous sense of community that sends a grateful nod to past times when people gathered on the city squares.

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    1. I was thinking of the Royal Mile today. Today is the 2nd day of the Fringe Festival as well as the 2019 Edinburgh Tattoo. I wish that I could beam on over to join you in this amazing month of creativity, good food, celebration and great conversations. Sending many hugs your way.

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  7. This is absolutely delightful. It brings back memories for me of the time that my parents, sister and I went to town on a Saturday afternoon when farmers and gardeners used to bring their produce into town for sale. There were even those who brought bushels of ripe fruit in their trucks from places afar for the local town and country population to purchase. What wonderful times and I am glad to see this happening now in Vancouver. I see notices on Face book that St. Albert has a very active Farmers’ Market, as well. This is good!

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