B.C.'s farmers markets can now apply for government support to expand their operations.
Some $475,000 in federal and provincial funding is being made available through the BC Farmers' Market Expansion Program, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.
The step was taken in answer to the sight of bare supermarket shelves when wildfires and flooding disrupted supply chains used to get food to market in B.C.
"With the floods and wildfires in B.C. this past year, farmers' markets give us a chance to directly support our local farmers, who, despite all the challenges, continue to deliver great food for us," federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a press release issued Wednesday.
"This investment will help B.C. farmers bounce back in the coming years by making sure farmers' markets can serve our communities in times of need."
Farmers' markets can use the funding for signs and merchandising, storage and transportation, and power and operations costs.
Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, co-operatives, for-profit corporations, local governments and First Nations that operate a farmers' market that primarily sells B.C. food and beverage products.
A farmers' market must have been in operation for at least one year (established prior to November 2020) or operated in the summer 2021 season to be eligible.
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 28 at noon (Pacific time), on a first-come, first-served basis or until available funding has been fully committed.
To apply, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fmexpansion
