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Supporting local farmers doesn't cost any more

This is Farmers' Appreciation Week in B.C., a time to reflect on the importance of our agricultural producers and of buying locally produced food to keep farm families farming and to support our local economy. In recent weeks in B.C.

This is Farmers' Appreciation Week in B.C., a time to reflect on the importance of our agricultural producers and of buying locally produced food to keep farm families farming and to support our local economy.

In recent weeks in B.C. we have seen both the NDP and Liberals demonstrate their appreciation for local food. Adrian Dix discussed prioritizing local agriculture through government procurement polices and the Liberal government unveiled its plan to launch a local food marketing campaign worth $2 million.

These are timely announcements, but what can the average British Columbian do to support local farmers? Perhaps make time this week to support farmers directly at a farmers' market, yet critics claim that this will cost more of your hard earned dollars.

However, when it comes to purchasing fruit and vegetables, a study by Seattle University between 2003 and 2011 found organic fruit and vegetables in season are either cheaper or cost the same at farmers' markets.

The B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets is look-ing at how our farmers' market prices compare with grocery stores. Preliminary findings in six B.C. communities indicate that conventional and organic products at farmers' markets are the same price or less than the grocery store.

Farmers' markets often have more organic selection and this can make them seem expensive, but the price of equivalent products is generally the same, or less, than in grocery stores.

For those on a tight budget, most farmers' markets have conventional producers and shoppers quickly learn which growers they can afford to buy from.

This year, Farmers' Appreciation Week is focused on young people in agriculture as farmers in B.C. have the highest average age in Canada and nearly half of all Canadian farmers' are 55 years or older.

Farmers' markets provide a low-cost and effective marketing channel for new farmers.

British Columbians are encouraged to buy B.C. fruit and vegetables at a farmers' market, farm-gate or grocery store this week to support B.C. farmers.

Executive director Elizabeth Quinn and Kaleen McNamara work at the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets.