Local products have the wind in their sails!
The enthusiasm for farmer’s markets is evident in all regions of Quebec! The Association des Marchés publics du Québec (AMPQ) observes that the popularity of summer markets is not waning. “We have seen the emergence of about 40 markets in the past five years. These are often smaller, ephemeral markets during the summer.” adds Mr. Trudel, the association’s director. The AMPQ notes a sharp increase in the number of its markets member , as well as a growing increase in their customers.
Institutional support is also growing at the local, regional and provincial levels. The support of the Marché agricole Les saveurs de la Vallée is part of the intervention priorities of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM. The market can also benefit from financial assistance from the Program Proximité of the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) over the next two years.
Les Saveurs de la Vallée Farmers’ Market is very satisfied with the results of the 2019 season, while producers and consumers were at the rendezvous during the 11-day market of the season. The team is confident that the enthusiasm for local buying will continue this year despite the effects of the Covid-19. “The market supply really meets the needs of the population to buy fresh, quality products and, above all, to know where they come from,” says Karine Lacroix, the market’s project manager.
There is a good chance that the purchase of local products will continue to have the wind in the sails! Buy local berries and apples instead of bananas, pineapples and oranges; replace supermarket meat with locally grazed beef, pork and lamb; prioritizing maple syrup and honey with brown sugar and refined sugar… Eating local food has never been so good for the taste buds, for health, for the climate, and above all, for the local economy!