Over $40,000 in Funding to Promote Shopping Local

The B.C. Government and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) are teaming up in an effort to promote buying local.

On Wednesday, the Province’s Buy Local program announced a $47,135 funding grant that will go to BCAFM in order to increase sales at local farmers’ markets and to help launch the Meet My Market campaign.

“The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets does so much for the agrifood community in B.C. to support local farmers’ markets. The Buy Local funding gives a helping hand to our farmers to reach new markets and bring in new customers. This campaign, ‘Meet My Market’, is a wonderful idea! I look forward to sharing some of my favourites this summer,” said Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick.

The Meet My Market campaign will run throughout the month of July to create awareness and increase visitors to B.C.’s many farmers’ markets.

The funding will be used to draw attention to the campaign through several different social media avenues. In addition, shoppers will be able to enter into two grand prize giveaways, for a chance to win a three-night getaway for two at a prestigious Okanagan resort.

A number of participating markets will also be offering additional incentives, including market treats and deals, to those individuals who bring along a friend to the market.

“We are pleased to run a campaign that speaks about the value of fresh, local food and at the same time encourages British Columbians to become better acquainted with the local farmers, small-scale food processors and artisans who put food on our table. We encourage everyone to bring a friend to their local market and enjoy the bounty of B.C. farmers’ markets,” said Jon Bell, President of BCAFM.

THE BCAFM represents over 125 farmers’ markets in the province, each of whom offer a variety of farm-fresh products and locally sourced goods.