by Michael Dickson
I have a few thoughts that have popped into my head since my last blog and I was thinking this is a great chance for me to get them out there. It’s been a very rough June for the produce growers at the Antigonish Farmers Market due to the overwhelming amount of frost that they have had to deal with. It takes a ton of work to recover from the amount of damage that mother nature has dealt out to our farmers, which is why the Farmers of the market are the focus point for my blog post this week.
Why is it so important that we continue to support the farmers during this trying time? The question pretty much answers itself to be honest but here it is: The amount of money that is being lost due to these frosts is huge. It directly impacts the farmers ability to make a living, which of course directly impacts our community as we are losing out on the high quality fresh local foods that we love to eat! So make sure you get out to show your support to our local farmers at the Antigonish Farmers Market.
To this end, I would like to highlight the primary producers of the Market:
Casey’s Vegetables
Casey’s farm is a huge supporter of the Market, from being one of the most popular vendors that we have, Casey brings a wide variety of products to the market every year and Casey himself has been at the market for over 8 years, he is well known and he is a man of the people, so make sure to stop by the market and say hello to the team.
Penner Family Farm
Leonard Penner and his family farm are a growing vendor at the market. They consistently bring a wide selection of fresh produce to the market and nothing seems to dampen the spirits of Leonard or his kids as they sell outside the market barn in the rain or sunshine! The dedication to the local lifestyle is unwavering and as a result the support for his farm and products is overwhelming.
You want to talk about a dedicated farmer, Michael is one of the biggest personalities that we have at the market. A commitment to freshness and quality is one of the reasons that his business is continuing to grow and will without a doubt continue to be a success story at our market.
Lochaber Growers Cooperative
It’s very hard to talk about amazing personality without bringing Bonnie into the conversation. Bonnie is at the market representing the Lochaber Cooperative every weekend with a positive attitude, a great smile and a commitment to freshness, and serving our community. The Cooperative is made up of an amazing group of farmers that bring a little bit of everything to the market which results in a very impressive selection of great farm fresh foods.
Forever Green Farms
It is impossible to discuss producers at the market without including the Forever Green Farm. They are one of the largest producers that the market has. With a massive selection of meats and vegetables, which continue to make them one of the most popular vendors that we have at the Market. They cook at the market every weekend and the smell of their farm fresh foods cooking on the grill is enough to make anyone hungry! Well worth stopping by to say hello to and pick up some delicious farm fresh food.
Seabright Gardens
Seabright Gardens brings a commitment to local first to a whole new level. They care about the environment and as a result of their passion, it translates out to incredibly fresh, high quality, delicious farm fresh foods. A chance to stop by and say hello and check out their amazing selection is well worth it.
The Bethany Growers
They are all about local, high quality, fresh, delicious produce. The produce that they bring to the market is some of the most popular that comes through the doors. They have great knowledge of their produce and know how to grow it to ensure the highest quality. Well worth stopping by and seeing what they have to offer each week as the growing season comes into full swing.
Well folks that’s all I have for this blog post! I would like to thank everyone that comes out to support the market, and our vendors. Feel free to stop by our website www.antigonishfarmersmarket.ca and see all of our vendors, latest news and how we are making out on fundraising for our new Barn! Remember we can be found on Facebook at Antigonish Farmers Market Association and on Instagram @Antigonishfarmersmarket. As always if you have any questions, concerns or general comments do not hesitate to reach out to me at Manager@Antigonishfarmersmarket.ca or by calling (902)867-7479.
Michael Dickson, Antigonish Farmers Market Manager