BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets

Applications are now CLOSED for the 2024 BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets.

As part of the BCAFM ongoing commitment to building an equitable, just, inclusive and resilient food system and local economy, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is proud to offer a 2024 BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets!

Everyone gains when our farmers’ markets reflect the diversity of our communities. It’s good for business, good for food security, and good for social cohesion. Markets become more vibrant, attract new customers, and develop relationships with new sectors of the community. Ultimately, there will be more abundant and diverse farmers and food producers, and a stronger local economy.

The BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets is open to BCAFM member farmers’ markets who are working to reduce systemic barriers in their market and create a more inclusive and diverse environment for market staff, vendors and customers.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

  • Applications are open to BCAFM member farmers’ markets governing organizations.
  • Retroactive projects are not eligible for funding.

 

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES 

Grant funds can be used to support a BCAFM member farmers’ market’s inclusion journey. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Equity, Justice and Decolonization (EJD) workshops
  • Signage for markets
  • Translation services
  • Accessibility audits
  • Paying for First Nations Elders to attend farmers’ market opening ceremonies

 

EXAMPLES FROM PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS

  • Invited local First Nations cultural groups to perform or open/close the market for the season
  • Strengthened relationship with local First Nations and reduced barriers to required certification by covering Foodsafe/Marketsafe course fees for food vendors
  • Created signage with welcome greeting and accessibility information in multiple languages
  • Implemented strategic planning consultation to improve community inclusion and support within the farmers’ market, and invite actionable change
  • Created rack cards with information about the commonalities of the region’s First Nations culture and local agriculture

 

FUNDING DETAILS 
A total of $5,000 in funding is available, with a maximum ask of $500 or less per applicant.

 

KEY DATES 

  • Saturday, June 1, 2024 at noon PST: Application deadline. Applications will not be accepted after the noon deadline
  • Early to mid June, 2024: Applicants notified of application status.
  • July 31, 2025: Deadline for successful applicants to complete grant activities
  • October 31, 2025: Deadline to submit a brief grant report to BCAFM.

 

If you’re a vendor, our 2024 BCAFM Inclusion Vendor Grant will open in the fall of 2024.

Questions? Please get in touch with BCAFM Grant Administrator, Stacey Santos, at grants@bcfarmersmarket.org.

A few of our past recipients:

DUNCAN FARMERS’ MARKET

We are excited to share that the Duncan Farmers’ Market has utilized the 2023 BCAFM Inclusion Grant to create new “Welcome to the Market” signage, featuring the Hul’q’umi’num wording for “welcome.” This initiative aims to honour and acknowledge Cowichan Tribes (Quw’utsun), whose traditional territory includes the Cowichan Valley.

The Cowichan Tribes is the largest First Nation in British Columbia with over 5,500 members, and speak the living language of Hul’q’umi’num. The new signage not only welcomes all visitors to the market but also celebrates and respects the rich cultural heritage of Cowichan Tribes.

The $500 grant has allowed us to take a meaningful step towards inclusivity and cultural recognition, enhancing the market experience for everyone. We are grateful for the support from the BCAFM Inclusion Grant and look forward to continuing our journey towards a more inclusive community space.

CAMPBELL RIVER FARMERS MARKET

We were so fortunate to have Hereditary Chief James Quattell open the Campbell River Farmers Market on May 5th. He welcomed the market, our vendors and attendees to Laichwiltach territory and gave us permission to occupy downtown Campbell River for the summer. He reminded us to do business in a good way that recognizes the sacredness of people, the land and the waters. June U’magalis Johnson led the cultural dancers and a drummer/singer in a welcome dance and song.

We also purchased the Every Child Matters and inclusive LGBTQ2S+ flags, which are flown every week.

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