B.C. Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm issued the following statement in advance of Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 8-15:

"The best way to show appreciation to the hardworking people who produce B.C.'s food is to shop local, year round. Not much says fresh food better than a farmers' market, and I ask all British Columbians to head down to one of the more than 100 markets taking place in B.C. during Farmers Appreciation Week.

"The number of farmers' markets has more than doubled in the last ten years, and the passion, diversity and support British Columbians have for locally produced food has never been higher.

"Throughout history, locally produced food and farmer-led markets have brought people and communities together. Let's continue that tradition, let's appreciate our farmers and buy local foods."

More information:

Find a local market @ http://met.bcfarmersmarket.org/market-search

Learn more about Farmers Appreciation Week @ http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/resources/subpage/farmers-appreciation-week

A photo for media use of Pimm at a farmers' market is @ http://flic.kr/p/fJorx7

Media Contact:

Rob Boelens
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674