Farmers’ Market Awards – Best of 2018

Best in BC Farmers’ Markets for 2018

The annual Farmers’ Market Awards recognize outstanding farmers’ markets, market managers, vendors, partners, and volunteers that are exemplary in adding value to their communities and the farmers’ market sector. All nominees were judged by a committee representing BCAFM partners and stakeholders across BC. Recipients were honoured during the Farmers’ Market Awards ceremony at the 2019 BCAFM Conference on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

Congratulations to the Winners!

MEDIA RELEASE: BC Farmers’ Market Awards Name the Best of the Province, March 12th, 2019


Small Farmers’ Market of the Year:  Trail’s IncrEDIBLE Farmer’s Market


Farmers’ Market Manager of the Year: Miche Warwick (Rossland Mountain Market)


Farmers’ Market Volunteer of the Year (left to right): Clarence Selden + Dion Langevin (Cranbrook Farmer’s Market)


Farmers’ Market Vendor of the Year (non-farmer): Blackbird Bakehouse (Tanya Molle, Cranbrook, Fernie, and Kimberley markets)

Awards Categories and Criteria

Farmers’ Market of the Year

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will recognize outstanding farmers’ markets that are exemplary in adding value to their communities and connecting producers to consumers through fresh, locally grown food, and artisan products. There are three award categories:  Small, Medium, and Large Market of the Year.

Categories:

  • Small Market:  7 – 20 vendors per week on average
  • Medium Market: 21 – 60 vendors per week on average
  • Large Market:  61+ vendors per week on average

Who is Eligible?

All BCAFM member farmers’ markets in good standing.

Criteria:

  • The market is an integral part of its community and brings together farmers, producers and community members in innovative ways, facilitating strong sales for farmers/vendors through creative special events and educational programming that celebrate and promote fresh, locally grown food and artisan products, and demonstrates a commitment to the BCAFM make, bake, grow philosophy.
  • The market is a venue that promotes, supports and advocates for small farms, local, sustainable agriculture, artisans and programs that link consumers of all economic levels in their community with fresh, local food.

Who May Nominate:

Nominations are open to the public, vendors, and the farmers’ market itself.

Market Manager of the Year

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will recognize an outstanding Farmers’ Market Manager for their work and accomplishments.

Who is Eligible?

All Market Managers of BCAFM member markets in good standing.

Criteria:

  • Exemplifies the highest level of achievement in connecting farmers, producers and community members by creating and maintaining a market atmosphere that celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of the community and the bounty of its fresh, locally grown food, and artisan products.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the BCAFM make, bake, grow philosophy.
  • Exemplifies sound and innovative business and people management practices; seeks out and develops strong community partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
  • Represents the best of the farmers’ market sector in British Columbia and actively works to promote and support sustainable agriculture, small farms and farmers.

Who May Nominate:

Nominations must be submitted by a BCAFM member market’s Board of Directors.

Vendor of the Year

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will recognize outstanding vendors for their work and accomplishments related to the farmers’ markets in which they participate.

Categories:

  • Farm vendor
  • Non-farm vendor

Who is Eligible?

Vendors who sell at BCAFM member markets are eligible to be considered for this award.

Criteria:

  • Has a strong connection with market-goers and community members
  • Actively promotes the benefits of fresh, locally grown food or artisan products
  • Provides excellent customer service
  • Sets up creative displays and marketing
  • Demonstrates the make, bake, grow philosophy
  • ​Serves as a leader and role model at the farmers’ market
  • Continually seeks to gain knowledge, adapt to the changing marketplace and apply innovative techniques to farming, food production and marketing
  • Demonstrates success and growth in their farmers’ market sales or business

Who May Nominate:

Nominations are open to the public, vendors, and the farmers’ market itself.

Volunteer of the Year

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will recognize an outstanding individual for their work and accomplishments related to their volunteer work with a BCAFM member farmers’ market.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals who volunteer with a BCAFM member farmers’ market.

Criteria:

  • Volunteer is reliable, hard working, dedicated, and invested in strengthening BC farmers’ markets.
  • Individual has volunteered a minimum of 20 hours with a BCAFM member farmers’ market.

Who May Nominate:

Nominations will be accepted by the farmers’ market at which the individual volunteers.

Partner of the Year

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will recognize an outstanding individual or organization for their contribution and support of BC farmers’ markets.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals, groups or organizations whose work supports or improves a BCAFM member farmers’ market, or the BC farmers’ market sector as a whole.

Criteria:

  • Partner has demonstrated commitment and action to improving or supporting a BCAFM member farmers’ market or the BC farmers’ market sector.

Who May Nominate:

Nominations are open to the public, vendors, and the farmers’ market itself.

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