I’m not sure what it’s like across the province, but I am staring out my window on the first day of spring and it is snowing! These unusual weather patterns appear to be the new normal in many parts of BC. For those vendors with heated greenhouses and basements, I know your farm work has already been underway for a month or two, including all the preparations, such as starting plants and much more. By this time, many seedlings will have broken ground and farmers are looking forward to a busy season.
For ranchers in the wildfire zone, we are still feeling the effects of the fire. So far, from an expected spring crop of 20 lambs, I have 6 on the ground. The stress, heat, smoke and movement of the fires was no friend to breeding schedules and so I, like many of our ranchers, am going into the season already knowing that I am behind the eight ball - hopefully fall lambing will be better.
In the meantime, life for our markets and market managers goes on. Markets are busy taking vendor applications for the summer season and vendors are working to make sure they have checked off all the right boxes, and done their due diligence to fulfill the many requirements of selling at markets. New organic regulations, bylaws, plus ensuring adherence to guidelines on cosmetic products, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, local health authorities and municipal concerns are all helping to make this spring just a little busier.
The BCAFM office is growing and changing as well, and we are excited about what this year has in store. If you have questions please call the office staff – Georgia, Peter and Heather stand ready to help.
I would also like to welcome Patty Hollister to the BCAFM board. Patty’s work brings her a breadth of valuable experience, from running a small-scale organic farm, to work with seed companies, volunteering with the Vancouver Farmers Markets, and her most recent position on staff with the Moss St Market in Victoria for 9 years! As our new secretary I know that she will be keen to learn and contribute to BCAFM initiatives, and I look forward to working with her.
Also, a big congratulations to Erna Jensen, our past BCAFM board secretary, who recently got married! All the best to Erna and Randy!
And so, all the best to our managers, vendors, and boards as we get ready for the 2018 season – here’s to busy markets and busy vendors – a great growing season and a great selling season!
Wylie
BCAFM President
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