Spring means a time to plant seeds, prepare the garden and the start to the much-awaited farmers’ market season in rural Alberta.
Located in the heart of Alberta, Stettler is ideally placed to host the weekly farmers’ market every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stettler Agri-plex hosted by Stettler and District Agricultural Society.
The first farmer’s market this spring is scheduled for May 4.
“We host a farmers’ market to bring together local producers and vendors to promote and sell their products that are locally grown and homemade,” said Marilyn Campeau, office assistant for the society.
For the past several years, the local farmers market has attracted about 30 vendors from the Stettler region.
“About 75 percent of our vendors sell agricultural products, from produce and baking to flowers and plants,” said Campeau.
“This farmers market is a great opportunity for local producers to sell their products and for people to shop locally at home.”
As people consider locally-grown produce in the 100-mile challenge to eat only foods grown, produced and sold within 100 miles from home, more and more people are choosing the option to shop at their local farmers’ markets.
“Newcomers to the market are surprised by the variety of products at the farmers’ market,” said Campeau.
“Vendors last year found that more people are coming to the local farmers market than in previous years.”
To add to the social flavour and attract more people, the farmers’ market will introduce a luncheon – perhaps soup and sandwich.
Capping off this year’s season, the farmers market will host its annual Christmas market in late November.
Homegrown farm products also feature prominently under the Alberta government’s new “Explore Local” initiative to help local farmers and industry in “capturing Alberta’s home field advantage”.
“Local agriculture and locally-produced food is a rising market force in Alberta and around the world,” says Jack Hayden, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and MLA for Stettler-Drumheller.
“Explore Local presents new growth opportunities for agriculture food products and services in Alberta and helps connect and support the many different people and players involved or interested in Alberta’s local market sector.”
The government sees this program as pulling together existing efforts in such areas as farmers’ markets, farm-direct marketing, regional cuisine and agri-tourism under one umbrella.
Just in its early stages, with specific strategies, Explore Local is taking shape as it evolves by working with industry. But, clear target areas for progress are already emerging, such as supporting new and expanded operations, building awareness and partnerships, and working with industry to address barriers to growth and expansion.
For more information Stettler farmers market, phone 403-742-6288.