What is a Farmers' Market?

To me, it’s simple: real farmers selling their produce at specially designated community locations, usually on a Saturday or Sunday morning. So why, then, do the “Farmers’ Markets” on the North Shore of Vancouver lack the obvious? There are many talented crafters at these venues, but there is a distinct void of farmers. I ponder … is it the distance from our local food producing areas, the Fraser Valley, Pemberton Valley? Or, is it consumer reluctance – or inability – to pay a realistic price for freshly produced, local produce?

With gas prices soaring around $1.50 per litre, it’s no surprise that the cost of food is rising fast. I love to visit the Trout Lake Market (a real Farmers’ Market) but am increasingly concerned about the energy used to get there (it’s about 20 minutes by car, non-stop, out of rush hour.) I justify it by shopping at other specialty stores in that vicinity or en route. However, I would love to hear if there are any farm-delivered services to the North Shore, aside that is, from our beloved Brian, who delivers jokes, songs, fishing stories and general goodwill along with farm-fresh fruits and certain vegetables all-summer long.

I believe that the Glorious Organics Co-op delivers salad greens, garnishes and specialty vegetables to about Vancouver restaurants twice a week from their several-acre operation in the Fraser Valley. Just a thought … to maximize the returns, I wonder if they would consider extending their delivery to a central point on the North Shore on delivery days. With some local marketing, it wouldn’t take long before savvy residents become regulars to pick up their farm-fresh produce at a designated place and time. I’ve tried their salad mixes and believe me … the taste and presentation could never be confused with the bagged variety!!

Word has it that the North Shore will have its own organic co-op – and it can’t come a day too soon for those who are tired of buying McOrganics, bagged and gassed for extended shelf life.

Until then, I am determined to grow as much food as I can. My goal is to have sufficient produce to carry us through the winter months. Currently, we are harvesting globe artichokes, broad beans, miner’s lettuce, many fresh herbs, calendula flowers, borage flowers, broccoli flowers, blackcurrants, potatoes, chard and strawberries. My tomato plants are starting to show their real colours and I am hopeful we will get a harvest in September. Growing happily for cooler-weather consumption are the broccoli, brussels sprouts, red cabbage and rainbow chard.

There is delight for me in combining herbs and edible flowers and fruits and vegetables. It’s not particularly beautiful, well not to the cultivated, perfect-garden look that is sooo West Vancouver, but I aim to add interest to the new-gravel areas by planting rosemary and lavendar shrubs alongside the birdbath and bench, together with a gentle windchime.

The net result of these changes is that I am now spending more time in my back garden area (as opposed to the south-facing deck) because it nurtures all my senses. The colours make me happy. The bird sounds, including our chatterbox hummingbirds, are melodious. Everything is touchable. The fragrance is fresh, delicious. And the taste … well, it’s REAL! There … my own farmers’ market!

I don’t miss the energy-guzzling lawn!! We’re selling our lawnmower … any takers?