B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick issued the following statement in advance of the fifth annual Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 8-15, 2014:

“British Columbians can choose from hundreds of local options to celebrate Farmers Appreciation Week, with enough flavours available to satisfy everyone’s tastes. A shopping-stroll through the cheerful and festive atmosphere of a farmers’ market can lead to baskets and bags full of fresh-from-the-farm fruits and veggies, meat products, baked goods, and plenty of artisan-made delicacies for an evening treat, the breakfast table or a local feast.

“A trip to the market is also a social event, and a chance for neighbours and friends to meet and chat, kids to play and laugh, with often enough, a local band or entertainer performing in the background. This week, the atmosphere is going to be even more festive, with over 35 special events at farmers’ markets throughout the province.

“Appreciating B.C. farmers can also be done at the grocery store, as more-and-more retailers respond to consumer demand for increased local foods, or, by going on a farm tour and meeting the people who grow and produce the food our communities depend on and enjoy.

“Over this summer, I drove more than 6,500 kilometers around B.C. meeting with hard-working farmers and ranchers in every region of our province. I am incredibly proud of the passion, knowledge and optimism I encountered throughout B.C., and honoured to represent B.C. farmers everywhere I go.

“Buying local food results in fresh and trusted meals on your table, and also supports more than 61,000 B.C. jobs, our food security, and the diverse and strong communities we live in. The B.C. government will continue to work with farmers and producers to help grow their businesses and so future generations enjoy a wide range of foods from B.C. farms.

“I urge everyone to connect with local food producers during Farmers Appreciation Week and enjoy high-quality and great-tasting B.C. foods throughout the year.”

More information:

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

Learn more about Farmers Appreciation Week: http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/fresh-market/subpage/farmers-appreciation-week-2014

Media Contacts:

Robert Boelens
Ministry of Agriculture
250 882-2485