IN THIS ISSUE

The Plas Tax

Vendor News

Seasonal Produce

Seasonal Recipe

Community Events

Volunteer for Pride Parade

Market Shopping Tips

Seasonal Produce Available at the Markets this Month:
Apricots
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cherries
Chinese Vegetables
Cucumbers
Fresh Herbs
Garlic
Green Beans
Green Onions
Kale
Lettuces & Leafy Greens
Mushrooms
Nectarines
Peaches
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Spinach
Strawberries
Summer Squash
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
and more!
The Plas Tax: A Tax with an Environmental Conscience

By Vicki Baker, Coquitlam Farmers Market
Originally published in "The Cream of the Crop", CFMS newsletter June 4, 2006

You may have noticed that one of our vendors is now charging a small fee for plastic bags. This vendor was motivated by a similar initiative by the Government of Ireland which in 2002, began charging consumers a 15 cent levy on each plastic bag used at the checkout counter: the "Plas Tax", as it's come to be known.

In Ireland, this new tax reduced plastic bag use immediately by 90-95%, and raises almost $10 million dollars a year for waste management and environmental initiatives. The reduced consumption of bags saves 18 million litres of oil that would have been used to produce and ship these bags. This effort has also helped to reduce marine contamination, which occurs from the ingestion of toxic particles from plastic bags discarded into waterways and oceans.

Other countries such as Australia, China, Denmark, Scotland and Switzerland are in various stages of adopting this levy. Others such as Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are placing a greater emphasis on public education and awareness at this point. While still others such as Bangladesh, Taiwan and India are in various stages of banning their use completely.

Closer to home, a motion was passed at the recent meeting of the Lower Mainland Municipal Association (LMMA) that the LMMA and the Union of BC Municipalities petition the provincial and federal government to impose a Plas Tax on plastic bags. If this motion is also approved at the Union of BC Municipalities this fall, the province will be asked to put the Plas Tax in place locally.

The Plas Tax is already being favourably considered by different municipalities in the lower mainland including Coquitlam, Port Moody and North Vancouver.

Here at the Market, the proceeds collected by this concerned vendor will be donated to the Planting Seeds Project, a local initiative that works to organically preserve heirloom flowers, vegetables and herbs.

YOU CAN HELP!
- Bring your own bags or boxes or baskets. We're working on our own market shopping bag - stay tuned for details!
- Reuse the plastic bags you already have
- Take bags from the donated bags bin at the Market Info tent and drop off your extra clean bags for others to reuse.
- Ask the vendors you shop at what they are doing to reduce plastic at their booth and support their efforts whenever you can.

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Seasonal Recipe: Cherry Clafouti

Each month we'll feature a recipe submitted by a different market vendor - there are lots of tasty concoctions to look forward to!

This month's recipe is from Claire Hugenot of Handmade by Claire who makes and sells paper goods - journals, greeting cards and more at all 3 markets. Visit her schedule page here.

Prep Time: 5 min
Pitting Cherries: 20 min
Cooking Time: 45 min

4 eggs
6 tbsp sugar
1 cup milk
5 tbsp flour
1 kg cherries (just over 2 lbs)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

· Clean and pit the cherries.
· Place fruit in buttered 10" pie plate or oven dish.
· In a bowl, mix all other ingredients.
· Pour mixture over the cherries.
· Bake 45 min. at 350°.

Note: This could be made with other fruits too. Also works great with dry fruits (prunes and apricots) during winter months.

Congratulations Raffle Winners!
These lucky folks went home from the market with a brimming basket of goodies as winners of our monthly market raffles!
East Van - Rosalia Olsen
West End - Maura Gudaitis
Riley Park - Tamara Litke
Don't miss the upcoming raffle dates! Members - remember to get your 2 free tickets!

13 Lucky Farmers Market Tips

From www.100milediet.org

The typical vegetable now travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate. Now’s the season to buck the trend and reconnect with your food at your local farmers’ market. Here’s how.

1. If possible, plan to walk, ride a bike, or take public transit to your farmers’ market. Parking can be a hassle. Mid-week markets are quieter, but weekenders often have the best selection.

2. Shop early in the day to get the best food and to avoid missing out on unusual items.

3. Arrive with sturdy cloth bags, a backpack, or a basket, and plan to pay cash. Bring more money than you think you’ll need, and lots of small bills and change.

4. Three ways to save money: First, walk the whole market to check prices. Second, look for foods at their peak of seasonal abundance. Third, make arrangements with market farmers to buy bulk at a discount or to visit their farms for U-pick savings.

5. Shop smart. A head of farmers’ market lettuce can appear higher priced than at the megamart, but may also be much larger. Many people find they need smaller amounts of market foods when cooking because fresh food is more flavorful.

6. Bring the kids. The market experience goes a long way toward raising children who eat their vegetables, and there is often kids’ entertainment on site.

For the rest of the tips check out http://100milediet.org/market_tips/
Vendor News

Snowy Mountain Organics from Cawston is looking for summer market help for their West End market stall. If you would like more information please contact Lauren at snowy@img.net

Chicken Tonight?
Goldwing Ostrich Products and Klippers Organic Acres have both recently introduced free-range chicken to their market offerings. Stop by their booths and take a peak in their freezers. Goldwing also offers ostrich and beef. And while you're a Klippers' stall, check to see if they have any of their organic free range eggs left - they sell out fast!

Big Don's Pickles
I heard it through the cucumber vine that Big Don has his hands on some pickling cukes and will have another batch of his famous dills ready next week. Contact Don for pre-orders.

Show Your Market Pride! Help the Farmers Market Float Committee

This year's pride parade will have a special feature - the farmers market will be a part of the festivities! We've been meaning to get a crew together to participate since the last time we did in 2001 so this year we have decided to make a go of it. We're looking for help though - we need volunteers to help design and build the float (decorate our market van), help attach the decorations on float day (scramble around madly gluing and stapling) and to march in the parade (hand out goodies and be silly). Think you've got something to offer - time or talent or both?

We're having a planning/work party on Thursday July 20, 7-9pm at the market office - please RSVP to Roberta at 604-879-3276.

 

Swap Your Cookbooks at the Market

It's cookbook swap time again at the market! Our ever popular swap opportunity is back and there are sure to be many great finds at the swap table.

Bring your unwanted cookbooks to the market at Riley Park on July 19 or the West End on July 22 and exchange it for something new to you.
Don't have something to trade-in? You're welcome to buy as well.
The next opportunity to swap at the East Vancouver Market is September 16.

 

 

Market Info on the Air
While your having your morning nosh, tune in to Co-Op Radio (CFRO 102.7) for the Friday Morning show (8:30-9am) on July 21st to hear YLFMS Executive Director, Tara McDonald talk about farmers markets in Vancouver and the benefits of buying and eating local.

Community Kitchens Canning Workshops
Take an opportunity to learn safe and up-to-date home canning practices at these upcoming classes brought to you by Community Kitchens. You'll be glad you did when you're enjoying the summer freshness of the market into the fall and winter. All classes are $45.
Tomatoes Saturday, Aug 19 9:30am - 1:20pm
Italian Prune Plums Tuesday, Sept 12 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Pears Thursday, Sept 21 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Zesty Zucchini Relish Saturday, Sept 30 9:30am - 1:30pm
Apple Sauce Saturday, Oct 14 9:30am - 1:30pm
Citrus Marmalade Saturday, Oct 21 9:30am - 1:30pm
Pickled Beets Saturday, Oct 28 9:30am - 1:30pm

 

 

For more information, contact Diane Collis, Community Kitchen Project 604-876-0659 ext 118 or email cooking@uniserve.com

Market Locator
Going for a day trip out to Abbotsford? Visiting relatives in Revelstoke? Got a vacation planned for the Sunshine Coast? Why not stop by the local farmers market to pick up some of the best in local produce, baked goods and crafts. You might even see some familiar vendor faces.

Check out the BC Association of Farmers Market website at www.bcfarmersmarket.org for a very handy directory.

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Volunteer Opportunities

If you enjoy the markets, consider volunteering with us! You’ll get a chance to meet other people interested in food and community issues, while participating in a fun atmosphere. Not only that, you’ll be making a valuable contribution in helping to make the markets great.

Behind the scenes, we have work available putting up posters, designing and making signs for special events, participating in our membership committee, and helping to plan some of the great events we put on each season. At the markets themselves, there are opportunities to oversee kids activities; help with special events such as cookbook swaps, tomato festivals and harvest festivals; provide entertainment (busking, etc); and help out at the market information tent.

Anyone from teens to seniors are encouraged to volunteer. Time commitments vary from a few hours to a single day to several days per month. For a more detailed description of available positions, or for more information, contact Sherri via email or at 604-879-3276

 

Community Events and Announcements

Summer 2006 – Circle Farm Tours
Check out the very cool program of farming tours that have been set up in the Fraser Valley.  Called “Circle Farm Tours,” the maps provide all the details you’ll need to plan your own self-guided excursions through local farm country.  You can visit farms, markets and other food-related venues and events, learn about the agricultural history and activities of the area, and sample the best in local food products.  There are six communities participating in total: Abbotsford, Agassiz-Harrison Mills, Chilliwack, Langley, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, and Mission, each with its own tour.  The Circle Farm Tour website has all the information you’ll need for this perfect weekend or vacation activity.  To find out more: http://www.tourismabbotsford.ca/?page_id=210

July 22, 2006, Saturday -  FF/CF Incredible Edible Tour "Thinking Outside the Big Box"
Building a sustainable agricultural business or farm often involves cutting a new path or reviving lost traditions. Meet the brave and creative folks who are making it happen. Visit the following farms and winery:
** Local Greenhouse
** Two Bie Creek Farm
** Glen Valley Organic Farm
** The Fort Wine Co.
The event runs between 9am- 4:30pm.  Advance tickets are $75 each and includes tours, transportation, tour guide, lunch & direct sales opportunities. Phone 604.730.0450 or visit http://www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca for more information. Pick up a $5 off coupon at the Riley Park farmers market info tent this Wednesday for the upcoming tour!

August 13, 2006, Sunday - Beekeepers Field Day at Strathcona Community Garden
An afternoon abuzz with activity! Presented by the Beekeepers Association of British Columbia. Noon - 6pm. Schedule as follows: Noon: Meet in Garden house for tea and coffee with honey (bring your own lunch); 1:00 Beehive demonstration in the apiary; 2:00 Garden Tour; 3:00 Solar Wax Melter Demonstration; 4:00 Start the wood stove for Peasants Supper - new potatoes, spinach, bread and cheese; 5:00 Honey Sampling. Strathcona Community Garden is located at Prior Street and Hawks Avenue.

Market Dates and Times

East Vancouver - Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
May 20 - October 7
Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot
East 15th Avenue and Victoria Drive

Riley Park - Wednesdays, 1pm -6:30pm
June 7 - October 25
Nat Bailey Stadium Parking Lot
30th Ave at Ontario St

West End, Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
June 17 - October 7
Comox Street between Bute and Thurlow

Winter Market, Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 5pm both days
December 9 & 10
Heritage Hall, Main Street at 15th Avenue

 
FARM VENDOR SPOTLIGHT - GOLDWING OSTRICH PRODUCTS

Have you had a chance to check out the farmer bio binder at the Market Information tent? Next time you're at the market, give it a browse - here you'll find background information on your favourite grower and facts about their growing methods etc.

FARMER(S): Bonnie and Ed Curtis and sons Edward, Christopher, Jon, Nick

FARMLAND: We live on five acres in Aldergrove.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC? No.

PRODUCTS: We raise ostrich, beef and chickens. We make our own line of ostrich oil products including soap, lip balm, and body balms. Also ostrich leather items, including belts and wallets and feather dusters.

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: We have been raising ostrich since 1993 and believe that animals do best with room to grow and run. We use no medications in any of our animals.

WORKERS: All of our work is done by the family with Edward, myself, and our four boys when needed and when they are available.

Bonnie attends alternate weeks at the East Vancouver and West End farmers markets. Check out her market schedule page here.

Visit Goldwing's website at www.goldwingostrichprod.com
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Upcoming Market Events
Event Date Market
Cookbook Swap July 19 Riley Park
Cookbook Swap July 22 West End
Raffle July 26 Riley Park
Raffle August 5 West End & East Van
Ask a Chef August 5 East Van
Ask a Chef August 12 West End

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Articles for E-bits
E-bits is YLFMS’ monthly on-line newsletter, reaching over 1,000 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 August 15.
Submission deadline: August 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This issue of e-bits compiled by Roberta LaQuaglia

Your Local Farmers Market Society
1163 Commercial Dr, #2, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3 Tel. 604-879-FARM (3276) info@eatlocal.org

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