NEXT WINTER FARMERS MARKET FEB 3, 2007
Click below for the full list of vendors who'll be at the February market
Vendor Listing
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Public Consultations – Government of Canada – Developing the Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy
Back in 2003, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments implemented the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) to position Canada as the world leader in food safety and quality, innovation and environmentally responsible agriculture production.
As most elements of the agreements that allow for APF programming expire in March 2008, work is currently underway to transform the framework to make it more responsive and provide an enduring foundation for profitability throughout the value chain.
The consultation process and supporting consultations documents have been designed to stimulate a dialogue amongst all stakeholders about how federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments and others can work together to ensure a competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector that provides safe, innovative and high quality products and services with benefits for all Canadians.
Public consultation sessions will be held across the country in January and February and will be open to all interested stakeholders. The focus will be on collecting input from across the spectrum of stakeholders, providing an open forum for the exchange of ideas, and encouraging public debate on the future of agriculture and agri-food in Canada. Stakeholders will also be able to provide input on-line. Background materials and a consultation “sign-up” form are available at the following website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pol/consult/index_e.php
Lost and Found at the Markets
A variety of items have been turned in to the markets over the past summer - we've kept these lost treasures in hopes that their rightful owners would come calling however so far, no takers. Here's what we have - if any of these items sound like they might be yours, please get in touch with the Market staff at the office - 604-879-3276
a few sets of keys - describe what yours look like
bamboo fan
hooded sweater
backpack
cloth shopping bag
change purse
art cards (3)
tank top
bandana
travel mug
COABC Conference
The 2007 Certified Organic Associations of BC Conference & AGM will take place the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fairgrounds from February 23-25.
To register, visit the Conference website page on the COABC website:
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/AGM2007/
OR go directly to conference page:
http://www.parsecmkg.com/coabc/
Membership Renewal
Notices to renew your YLFMS Membership will be coming around soon for those of you whose memberships are expiring. We really appreciate the support from our members and hope you'll consider renewing in 2007 - we've got big plans that involve you!
NEW! At the 3 remaining Winter Farmers Markets, get your 2007 YLFMS Membership for $10 - (all categories of membership except family - but you can join as 2 individuals and still save). Memberships must be purchased at the Winter Farmers Markets to be eligible for this discount.
Look for the Membership table at the market! This offe open to new and returning members (not applicable for vendors).
2007 Market Dates
East Vancouver
Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot
15th and Victoria Drive
Saturdays, May 19 - October 6 9am - 2pm
Riley Park
East Parking Lot of Nat Bailey Stadium
30th and Ontario Street
Wednesdays, June 6 - October 24, 1pm - 6:30pm
West End
1100 Block of Comox Street between Bute & Thurlow
Saturdays, June 16 - October 6 - 9am - 2pm
Holiday Market
Heritage Hall
3210 Main Street at 15th Avenue
Saturday, December 8 and
Sunday, December 9
Cash in on Your New Year's Resolution
Got a resolution? Post it on the Change Everything Site (sponsored by Vancity) and you could win $500. Now that's a resolution I can live with...anyway, check it out and when you win, spend your loot at the market! May we suggest a resolution: Resolve to buy locally as much as you can. Every little bit helps. www.changeeverything.ca
Drive-A-Licious
On sale now until Jan. 30, 2007, buy your Drive-A-Licious raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 65 prizes from Commercial Drive eateries, with all proceeds supporting Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Draw date Jan. 31, 2007. Only 1,500 tickets printed!
Tickets are one for $ 5 or three for $ 10.
Purchase tickets at 604-681-6530 ext. 317, or at:
· Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1312 Commercial Dr.
· Highlife Records and Music, 1317 Commercial Dr.
· Kokopelli Hair Salon and Design, 2052 Commercial Dr.
· Tech Direct PC, 888 Commercial Dr.
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Articles for E-bits
E-bits is YLFMS’ monthly on-line newsletter, reaching over 1,500 supporters of the Farmers’ markets in Vancouver. If you would like to submit an article relevant to our readers on topics such as local food systems, farming issues, food preparation, food issues, recipes, sustainable agriculture, land preservation, arts and crafts production and community economic development please contact Roberta at roberta@eatlocal.org. Only articles pertaining to the overall goals and mission of the organization will be considered for submission. The next issue of e-bits will be out February 15. Submission deadline: February 13.
Newsletter Archive
Miss a past issue of e-bits? Get caught up:
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 What is there to buy at the Winter Farmers Market anyway?
Grab a market bag at the door (only $5) and look forward to finding lots to fill it up!
Just about any sort of meat: Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Beef, Ostrich - even raw dog and cat food for your locally-fed furry friend
Vegetables and Fruit - apples and pears, squash, potatoes, carrots and other root veggies, salad greens and winter greens, frozen berries, dried fruit and vegetables (I even saw frozen tomatoes last month) and juice
Nuts, Honey and Granola - yes we will have honey this month!
A wide selection of baked goods and sweets : bread - wheat-free, yeast free, focaccia, muffins, squares, cakes, pies, candy, cookies (regular and vegan)
A full-spectrum of jams, jellies and spreads: sugar free, savoury, chutney and salsa too
Don't forget dips and dressings
Preserved veggies and pickles
Cheese - local and some of it organic. There will be goat milk and cow's milk cheese at each market.
Wild Harvested products - wild caught salmon, wild herb teas, wild berry jams and jelly, wild mushrooms and seaweed (a first this season)
Hot coffee, cider, cocoa and espresso drinks
Hot crepes - sweet and savoury - a perfect brunchtime meal
December Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our annual Holiday Market raffle - These 6 lucky winners took home awesome prize packages donated by market vendors - everything from cheese to jewellery, cookies to pottery.
Congrats Lindsay, Tara, Norma, Kari Ann, Lauri, Libby - we hope you enjoyed your prizes
A big thank you to everyone who bought tickets and to our vendors for your generous donations.
Three of the lucky raffle winners with their prize loot.
Planning for Planting
It might seem a little premature but its not too early to start planning your fruit and veggie gardens. Check out these sites for seeds that are accustomed to the West Coast climate.
Planting Seeds Project www.plantingseedsproject.com
Certified Organic. Mojave also sells her seeds, seedlings, handmade salves and baked goods at the markets in the summer.
Stellar Seeds www.stellarseeds.com
Certified Organic. Based in Sorrento, BC. Download a catalog for free from the site - great descriptions and photos. All seeds packages are $2.50.
Salt Spring Seeds www.saltspringseeds.com
Operated by the director of Canada's Heritage Seed Program, Dan Jason - Salt Spring Seeds is a great resource for heirloom and rare seed varieties. A great variety of tomatoes - prepare to start salivating when reading the list. Organic gardening and seed saving books (some authored by Dan himself) also for sale on the site.
West Coast Seeds www.westcoastseeds.com
Loads of tips and resources on this site. Order seeds, buy gardening books and supplies all from the comfort of your home.
VanDusen Garden www.vandusengarden.org
Yearly host of a Seedy Saturday event (this year it is Feb 24). They also sell seeds regularly from their Entrance Deck and Garden Shop - download a brochure on this page. I noticed new additions this year of Quinoa, Amaranth and Red Fife Wheat.
 Do you love Farmers Markets?
Vancouver’s Your Local Farmers Market Society (YLFMS) is currently seeking nominations from people interested in joining our Board of Directors in April 2007.
We are looking for people who are:
* supportive of the goals of the Society;
* can attend monthly meetings;
* are organized; and
* have time for some committee work and/or are willing to volunteer for specific projects/events at our markets occasionally.
Our 9-person Board of Directors aims to represent the full cross-section of farmers, other vendors, consumers and community members that take part and benefit from YLFMS farmers markets throughout the year. For this reason, nominations from interested individuals in the West End, Kitsilano or Kerrisdale/Point Grey neighborhoods are particularily encouraged.
Board nominees must be members of YLFMS for at least 30 days prior to the AGM to stand for election. Please contact Amy Robertson at amy@happyplanet.com for further info.
Chicken and Egg Dance
Dance your gumboots off with Organic Friends of the Future.
Bring your Valentine(s) to the Sixth Annual Chicken and Egg Dance, Saturday 10 February 2007 6:00 - 11:00 pm at the Subhud Centre/Capri Hall (3925 Fraser
St at King Edward Ave.)
This year's funds are dedicated to preserving organic farmland.
Half a dozen more reasons to circle your calendar and get your tickets now!
1. Live music by the Sybaritic String Band and a caller too.
2. Family fun - no alcohol
3. Fabulous farm friendly fare food at affordable prices.
4. Lots of cool stuff at the raffle and silent auction.
5. Great door prizes.
6. Help Organic Friends of the Future in their mission to defend the rights of organic farmers to produce and to promote local organics.
Advance tickets: a dozen (12)$ for adults; half a dozen (6) $ for children; ($15 and $8 at the door); toddlers no charge .
So, bring your neighbours, meet your farmers and do - si- do.
For more information or to make a donation, please call Susan at 604-857-1400
For ticket sale locations , please call Agathe at 604 987-6899
For last minute folks, there will be tickets at the Langley Organic Growers Stall at the Winter Farmers' Market, Saturday 3 February at the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St in East Vancouver. 10:00am- 2:00 pm
Proposed Gateway Project Paves over Formosa – Write a Letter and Protest
Formosa Organic Farm and Nursery (12617-203rd St. Pitt Meadows) an Organic blueberry farm and nursery in Pitt Meadows will be dissected by the Abernathy Connector of the future Golden Ears Bridge (part of the Gateway Project), making farming difficult and dumping tons of automobile-related pollutants onto this certified organic farm.
Foodland protection advocates are urged to write a letter in support of protecting the farm and by moving the Abernathy Connector to the south boundary of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge at 126th Avenue right of way, where it was originally drawn. Write to: TransLink Board, 1600-4720 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2, Phone: (604) 453-4500; Email: gvtaboard@translink.bc.ca Make sure to also send your letter to Premier Gordon Campbell; Email: gordon.campbell.mla@leg.bc.ca For more information contact Donna Passmore, Transportation/Agriculture Campaigner, Fraser Valley Conservation Coalition, 604-536-2790 / 631-6210. You can also contact Sandy or Sheryl at formosanursery@hotmail.com if you want to join the effort. They will send you other contact information for writing letters, and keep you informed.
Memory Lane - The Year was 1919
Eggs at the Farmers’ Market in New Westminster cost $1 a dozen. Times were good for Surrey farmers, as prices forced up by the war had not yet fallen.
Remember this? Let's start the countdown now....
124 days until our East Vancouver market opens
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