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At the Winter Farmers Market This Month:
Apples
Apple Strudel
Apple Juice
Beef
Beets
Bread
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Chinese Vegetables
Cookies
Cow's Milk Cheese
Curry Sauces
Dried Fruit
Dried Herbs
Fresh Herbs
Garlic
Ghee
Goat Cheese
Green Beans
Hazelnuts
Honey
Homous
Jams and Jellies
Kale
Lamb
Lavender
Leeks
Lettuces & Leafy Greens
Mushrooms
Olives
Ostrich
Peas
Pears
Peppers
Pork
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Radishes
Raspberries - frozen
Raw Dog and Cat food
Salmon
Scones
Shallots
Shrimp
Spinach
Squares
Strawberries - frozen
Summer Squash
Swiss Chard
Tarts
Tea
Tomatoes
Turnips
Winter Squash
Yellow and White Onions
Yogurt
Zucchini
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Seasonal Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto
Serves about 6
3 cups fresh pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed
4 shallots or 2 small onions, chopped
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 teaspoons powdered saffron (optional)
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wrap cubed pumpkin in foil and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. While it is baking, saute shallots in a little white wine, water or stock. In a separate pan, bring the stock to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
In a food processor, puree pumpkin and set aside. Add rice to shallots and cook 2-3 minutes over moderate heat stirring frequently. Add wine and saffron and cook, stirring constantly until all the liquid has been absorbed. Add the pumpkin and 1 cup stock, stirring constantly. After that is absorbed, add the rest of the stock 1/2 cup at a time stirring constantly until absorbed until the rice is cooked (about 15-20 min). If you run out of stock add hot water. The risotto should be thick and creamy in consistensy and just a little runny. When done remove from heat, add the sage, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with white wine and crusty Italian bread. |
BC Association of Farmers Markets - Update
Contributed by Mary Forstbauer
BCAFM held a press conference with Agriculture Minister Pat Bell on Nov 9. The honourable minister announced the results of the Rapid Market Assessment that was carried out at 28 markets by David Connell from University of Northern BC. It was announced by the minister that farmers' markets in BC have a positive influence on the BC economy. Over 3 million people visit Farmers' Markets in BC, spending an average of $18.18 each. Customers spend $65.3 million dollars annually at farmers' markets and an additional $53.2 million annually at neighbouring buisnesses. $118.5 million is the total economic impact of Farmers' Markets in BC. The conference was also attended by Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, John Van Dongen and MLA for Delta South, Val Roddick. The project was funded by Investment Agriculture Foundation and its funding partners Government of Canada and the Province of BC, UNBC, BCAFM and participating markets.
For the complete reports on all 28 markets, visit: http://www.unbc.ca/planning/localfood/impacts.htm
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BCAFM held a general meeting and conference in Chilliwack on Nov 10. There were 40 people in attended from markets all over the province. Jaclyn Laic and Donna Anaka reported on the pilot project of Chefs to the Market. Brent Warner from the Ministry of Agriculture, discussed the work he is doing to help create consistent health regulations at farmers' markets in BC. There was a general meeting and discussion about the state of BCAFM and fundraising ideas were discussed and presented. BCAFM would like to thank all who donated to make this fundraising event successful. The list will posted on the BCAFM webpage www.bcfarmersmarket.org. Watch for more information from BCAFM coming soon.
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Mary Forstbauer is our BC rep to  Farmers' Markets Canada. In April Mary attended a meeting in Toronto with 40+ people from around Canada where they discussed the formation of Farmers' Market Canada. At that meeting a steering committee was formed - Mary is now the Secretary of the committee. The steering committee has met by conference call and again face to face in Moncton October 24/25. In Moncton we worked on our ten year vision. We deciced to become a society by February 2007 with our first official meeting to be held at the NADFMA meeting in Calgary. Watch for more information from Farmers' Market Canada. |
GE Free BC- Ban Terminator Seeds Campaign Meeting - November 26
Place Date and time: Mt. Cheam Lions Club Riding Hall
Sunday Nov 26
45580 Spadina St, Chilliwack 2006, 1:30 to 4:30
(corner of Corbould & Spadina)
Get the Canadian government to legislate a ban on this dangerous technology once and for all. This is a national campaign being coordinated from Ottawa, and B.C. plays an important role. The first step has been for GE Free B.C. representatives, in ridings around the province, to tell people about this issue and get names on petitions for submissions to MPs. So far we are covering 22 of the 36 Federal ridings in the Province, and the Yukon, but would like to cover all ridings.
Our main arguments are that  Terminator or "suicide seeds," officially called GURTs (Genetic Use Restriction Technologies), which are designed to be sterile after one harvest, are immoral and anti-farmer in undermining the age-old practice of saving seeds. The technology is clearly designed to put control of the seed and food supply in the hands of a few large corporations. As well, there is a risk of contamination; although the Terminator seeds are sterile, the pollen is not, and can spread these suicide genes to other plants.
The federal agriculture committee is planning a meeting on Terminator at the end of November. Meanwhile, we can write letters to our own MPs, to the federal Agriculture Minister, Chuck Strahl and the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, to help in this important cause. Letters should be polite and they can be brief.
If you'd like more information, go to the "Ban Terminator" website, at www.banterminator.org; if you'd like to work directly on the campaign, contact Eleanor at eboyle@capcollege.bc.ca
Market Dates and Times
NEW! Winter Farmers Market
First Saturday of the month - December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7
10am - 2pm
Wise Hall 1882 Adanac Street
Holiday Market, Saturday and Sunday
December 9 & 10
10am - 5pm both days
Heritage Hall, Main Street at 15th Avenue
East Vancouver
Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
Closed for the Season
Trout Lake Community Ctr Parking Lot
East 15th Avenue & Victoria Drive
West End
Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
Closed for the Season
Comox Street between Bute and Thurlow
Riley Park
Wednesdays, 1pm -6:30pm
Closed for the Season
Nat Bailey Stadium Parking Lot
30th Ave at Ontario St
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 December 7 . Submission deadline: December 5
Newsletter Archive
Miss a past issue of e-bits? Get caught up:
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Market Update
This issue of e-bits is choc full of info for your reading pleasure (who knew November could be so exciting?) It's time to gear up for fair-going season, not to mention gift-giving season - there are so many great fairs and markets happening - get out and see what the locals have been up to!
Thank you to all of you who attended our first-ever Winter Farmers Market.  We were overwhelmed with the numbers of shoppers who braved the elements to make it to this market. There are 5 more markets planned so if you missed the first, be sure to check out the rest!
Upcoming at the December market, we'll have many of the same vendors from November with some additions. New this month: olives from Dundarave Olive Company, baked goods from Vienna Treasures and Blackberry Hill and bread from Knead Some Dough. Look forward to lamb from Jay Springs Lamb this month(pre-orders are recommended) and Klippers Organic Acres will be there too with their great selection of organic apples and more! Check out the vendor listing for a complete rundown on the vendors for December.
We're also excited to say that outdoors we'll have a great selection of vendors along Adanac Street in front of the  WISE Hall (no vending behind the hall this month). Check out produce, meat, baked goodies and more as well as our hot beverage vendor GoGo Java and NEW! a hot crepe vendor, La Boheme Creperie! Whatever the weather, you don't want to miss perusing these outside stalls either! |
 Holiday Market - December 9 & 10, 10am -5pm, Heritage Hall
Not far behind on December 9 & 10 is our always popular Holiday Market. You might have known this market in past as the "Winter Market" but with the addition of the Winter Farmers Market, it was just a little too confusing - hence the name change.
This year we are proud to feature more than 80 vendors total over the whole weekend. A diverse crowd of vendors - farmers, weavers, glass blowers, bakers, jam and jelly creators, wood artists, soap makers, the list goes on. Check out the entire vendor listing and get in touch with your favourite vendor in advance or use the info to plan your route around the hall. We'll have a map up soon so you can be very strategic about your who, what and how to complete your wishlists.
And after you're done, why not stroll on up the street to the Green Christmas Market being held at Blim Arts Centre at 197 East 17th. Shop for sustainable gifts and be stylish at this event hip event. More details below in our Community Events Listings
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Vendor News & Notices
Our vendors have lots to share this month! |
From Illumina Photographics
Illumina Photographics now has a selection of Xmas cards available for the Holiday Season! From the silly to the sublime including a series of "Little Green Aliens" and antique photo renderings of Christmas objects on deckled-edged cards. Suzanne's cards are now being carried by the Tea Store in Park Royal Mall, West Van and can also be found at various holiday markets around town. Check her website for dates and locations at: http://www.illuminaphotographics.com/events/events.htm
From Goat's Pride Dairy
Come and visit our organic goat farm nestled among the trees and rolling hills of the beautiful Fraser Valley.
- visit the goats, see where the cheese is made
- fun activities for the kids, explore our salmon spawning stream
Date: Saturday, November 25
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Phone: 604 854 6261
email: info@goatspride.com
From Iron Maiden Seafoods
FESTIVE ‘FISHES’! From Iron Maiden Seafoods: We’re having some fun with new packaging this season! The Northern Troll Fleet (that’s us!) was allocated sockeye harvesting opportunities near the top end and west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands, therefore, we now have ‘hook-n-line’ Sockeye for sale, along with our regular choices of Spring, Coho and Pink. You have the choice of Frozen at Sea fillets, steaks, whole (head/off) or ‘NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED’ regular & smoked products. We will have these items at the upcoming Winter & Holiday markets, some displayed in beautifully bowed boxes – perfect for holiday gift giving! Check our website www.wildseafoods.com near the end of the month for photos.
We will have a fresh batch of cooked, hand-peeled shrimp meat just in time for the holidays! For something special and a wee bit unusual – we have a fresh batch of Octopus legs & hoods as well as a limited supply of vacuum-sealed skate wing portions. Feel free to order in advance or email for a price list.
We’re still sending out our monthly ‘Fish, Delivery & Market’ updates – so if you wish to be on this email list, please send your email address to: cfvironmaiden@shaw.ca.
From Lauren Elgee - check out my new website at www.laurenelgee.com
From Bamboletta Dolls
Hello, this is Christina from Bamboletta dolls I have been busy sewing up dolls to sell at the various Christmas markets that I'll be in. This year I am attending the Holiday Market for both Saturday and Sunday. Due to an overwhelming demand for custom work I had to stop taking orders for Christmas in early October. I have, however, been working really hard in order to provide an array of different dolls for the different events that I will be in. I am participating in a very special event that will be held on December 2nd at the Little Mountain Studios on 195 East 26th Ave (at Main Street) from 10am to 6pm. This event is a children's market selling natural toys and clothing. Some of the items available are wooden toys, felt food, wooden trucks from Germany, organic clothing, play silks and much, much more. I am so excited to be a part of this event as it is providing what so many of us parents are looking for. For more info please visit www.naturalpod.com
From Bad Girl Chocolates
Bad Girl Chocolates is proud to announce our Holiday lineup of new products. Our Holiday truffle is called Christmas Spice, a warm mixture of dark chocolate with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, star anise & orange. Our caramel is the ever popular Fleur de Sel, creamy caramel with a hint of French sea salt. Candied Orange and Grapefruit peel dipped in dark chocolate is back again this year, but supplies are limited so please order ahead to make sure you'll get as much as you want. New this year, we're proud to announce our creation of Chocolate Christmas Tree Ornaments, both hollow and filled with our popular Caramel Chocolate Almonds. They make great gifts, or look beautiful (and tasty) hanging on your own tree. Please check our newly updated website www.badgirlchocolates.com to find where we'll be selling this Holiday season, or as always, call us at 604-291-9698.
From Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm will be selling at Haney Farmers Market Winter Wonderland Market on Dec 9 - 1pm - 6pm
224th Street - Downtown Haney
For more information, call 778-887-FARM |
Vendors Receive Awards
Two YLFMS market vendors were awarded 2006 BC Organic Harvest Awards at the second annual Organic Harvest Awards held November 4. These awards recognize those in the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia’s (COABC) “British Columbia Certified Organic” program as well as other certified organic operations in the province. Winners have established strong, profitable businesses and those who have launched innovative concepts to increase the sector’s production, integrity and growth potential.
Best Organic Direct Farm Marketing
Klippers Organic Acres, Cawston
Congratulations to Kevin, Annamarie and the Klippenstein family and staff.
Best Organic Integrated Farm System
(Sustainable Practices)
Olera Farm, Abbotsford
(part of Langley Organic Growers Co-op)
Congratulations to Fred Reid, Sharmin Gamiet their family and staff!
Complete list of award winners
The popularity of organic production in BC has increased steadily. The number of certified organic farms in BC rose by nearly ten per cent in 2005. BC organic farms make up 13 per cent of organics grown in Canada, and more than 100 BC farmers are transitioning to organic farming this year. Organic certified processors, handlers and traders have increased by 29 per cent since 2004. The Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) isthe only government-approved body responsible for overseeing the BC Certified Organic Program. |
| HELP WANTED |
Your Local Farmers Market Society is looking for some help for it's upcoming Winter Farmers Markets. Take a look at these employment opportunities and get in touch with us if you think you'd like to be a part of this exciting new event. Here are the details
Publicity Assistant: Your Local Farmers Market Society is looking for help postering and leafletting before the event (the next 2 weeks) in the neighbourhood around the WISE Hall and also other spots around the city. This job is great for someone who has a few hours free here or there to cover an area by foot. Posters are a very important way to spread the word about our events.If you are interested in learning more about these casual employment opportunities, please contact Roberta at 604-879-3276.
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Goats Pride Dairy is looking for an Administrative Assistant for 30-40 hrs per week. Duties include word processing, bookkeeping, payroll, order taking, creating marketing material, on site store, farm tours etc. Experience dealing with organic certification an asset.
Qualifications: Microsoft Office, Simply Accounting, Excel and desktop publishing.
Salary $10 - $12 per hour
Submit resume to:
Goats Pride Dairy
30854 Olund Rd.
Abbotsford, BC V4X 1Z9
fax: 604 852 1093
email info@goatspride.com
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The British Columbia Association for Regenerative Agriculture (BCARA) requires a part-time Organic Certification Administrator, starting immediately. This job requires approximately 450 hours/year, daily hours varying with the season. Starting salary is $15.00/hour with the Administrator maintaining the office in their home.
BCARA is a small, regional organic certification body, accredited by the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC), currently certifying around 40 farms in the Fraser Valley. An active Board of Directors and Certification Committee, made up of volunteers, manages most of the activities of BCARA.
The basic duties of an Organic Certification Administrator include
- book keeping using Quickbooks program
- mail-outs of information and certification application and renewal forms
- correspondence with producers on issues arising from their files
- manage files and keep records on certification
- assign inspectors to farms and manage their payment
- issue certificates
- meet with Certification Committee regularly, keep meeting minutes and maintain communication through email
- deal with all mail and phone calls to BCARA
- maintain database of producers
Qualifications include:
- strong administrative and record keeping skills
- experience book keeping using Quickbooks program
- good communicator, both verbally and on paper
- organized and strongly self-motivated
- able to learn quickly and ask for help when needed
- able to work cooperatively with groups
- knowledge of the organic certification process is an asset but not a requirement
Please submit all resumes to this email address - application256@yahoo.ca - on or before November 30, 2006. Shortlisted individuals will be contacted for an interview within the following week. |
Learning about Food and Healthy Living
Check out these classes run by our market assistant Sarah McMillan and her partner in nutrition Lisa Marie Whittaker.
Smart Vegetarianism- Mon Nov 20th
7.00- 9.30pm
Food Security - Monday November 27th
7.00- 9.30pm
Eating Local and Organic - Mon Dec 11th
7.00- 9.30pm
$25 per class.
Register on-line:
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/
parks/cc/troutlake/index.htm
or call (604) 257-6955
Eating Through the Seasons the Vegan Way - Winter
Instructor: Paula Luther
Explore the joys of eating in harmony with the earth ~ the seasons ~ your body. This four-hour hands on cooking workshop will offer nutritional information and cooking techniques to support your body as it goes through the natural cycle of winter. Bring your appetite for knowledge and good food.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Rm 102 - Britannia Secondary School
1001 Cotton Drive
To register: Britannia Community Centre 604-718-5800
www.britanniacentre.org
$45 Course # 44852.100BR
Information: chickpeanutrition@gmail.com
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| Community Events and Announcements |
FAB FAIR
This Saturday Nov 18th and Sunday Nov 19th
Join in the fun when 45 fabulous and funky local jewellery and accessory designers come together for two days only to display and sell their eclectic wares.
location - Heritage Hall 3102 Main St at 15th avenue
Hours- 11am -6pm daily Admission $2, Kids free
Family Potluck
The BC Association for Regenerative Agriculture (BCARA) is having their annual potluck gathering on Saturday, November 25/06 from 6:00 till 10:00 pm at Peardonville Hall in Abbotsford. Peardonville Hall is located on Huntingdon Road, corner of Ross and Huntingdon. Look for the sign!
What to bring:
- the whole family!
- potluck contribution for dinner
- a small something for the auction (produce, jam, baked goods)
- money to buy auction tickets ($1each, 3 for $5)
- musical instrument if you're so inclined
- your dancing shoes!
There will be a doorprize drawing for a painting by Fred Reid (as seen at Chicken and Egg Dances).
This event is organized by BCARA's farmers to celebrate the season together with the people who eat our food, so all are invited. Hope to see you there! For more info email: glenvalley@direct.ca
Coquitlam Farmers Market Winter Market
Some of your favourite vendors will be selling at the Coquitlam Winter Market
Port Moody Social Recreation Centre
300 Ioco Road
Nov 19 - 9:30am - 3:30pm
For more information: www.makebakegrow.com
White Rock Farmers' Market Winter Market
Visit familiar vendors in White Rock on the same weekend as the YLFMS Winter Farmers Market.
First Sunday of the Month, December, March, April, May
10am - 1pm
Elks Hall, 1400 block of George Street, White Rock (near their summer market location)
For more information: www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca
Green Christmas Market
Saturday December 9th
Blim Arts Centre - 197 East 17th at Main St
11am - 6pm
Modern, high-quality hand crafted items athat just happen to be made from sustainable materials.
Free Admission. Snack bar. Great people. Good times. Shop local.
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The Nettle is a Nourishing Herb in Many Ways
by Boni Townsend, Lowland Herb Farm
Nettle is a delicious spring tonic, a medicinal herb, one of the Biodynamic preparation herbs, a restorer of soils, home for beneficial insects, marvelous in the compost, and can be used as a natural fertilizer tea. Some people think nettle should be used almost daily because nettles contain such an outstanding number of important substances. Leaves and stems contain chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and B-complex (especially thiamine),niacin, vitamin k, folic acid, protein, iron(citrate) and other minerals and dietary fibre. Though science has not discovered all the riches contained in the nettle, historically and Traditionally nettle has been used for thousands of years around the world by many people. Most herbalists and naturopaths recommend it and use it in their practices.
Too many North Americans don’t understand the nourishing herbs such as nettles and are quick to eradicate them especially the stinging nettle rather than view it differently or work with it in nature. I have a few customers asking for nettle plants (ouch) so I am selling nettle roots this fall and early spring so that the soil can be kept moist easily. There really aren’t many wild and clean nettle patches in cities. However any one with a garden or a garden plot could grow their own. I would try mellow well draining soil. Where ever nettles grow the soil is good.
In March/April I will sell fresh nettles although my impatience for them sends me out to all my nettle patches looking for wee shoots to eat. Gloves, long sleeves, sharp scissors and a large salad spinner (nettles cook down to small servings) are necessary. Wash in cool water thoroughly and don’t spin them. Then I have melted butter ready in a large pan on medium heat. Add the nettles with only the water on them from the washing. Lid the pan, stir and chop a little when the nettles cook down. Try not to overcook but make sure sting is gone. This is delicious with a bit more butter. A true food that happens to be a fast food. |
Editor's Note: I'm looking for some help...does anyone out there with Dreamweaver skills know how I can get rid of all this empty space below this comment? I'd appreciate some tips.
Roberta |
