By Colleen A.J. Smith

Farmers’ market season officially starts this month

Jun 1, 2016 | 2:00 PM

The time to shop for local products has come again now that the North Battleford market is up and running and the other is expected to open in mid-June.

According to Erin Cooper, the director of the Battleford and District Farmers’ Market, the reason behind what keeps the local cooperative relevant within the city is the spirit of the people who come together to make the market a possibility.

“We have wonderful vendors at this point,” Cooper said. “We’re actually in a pretty good place in our market where we have a lot of young vendors coming in. For our market, we are a very viable young, youthful group, which helps the longevity of the market as a whole.”

Shoppers can expect a wide variety of Saskatchewan-made products including fresh produce, meat and farm fresh eggs. There is also a multitude of local entrepreneurs displaying unique handicrafts, woodwork, hand-made soaps and lotions, beard balms, jams and honey.

Though the Battlefords markets – in both Battleford and North Battleford – may be smaller than those in bigger centres, Cooper explained the key to the market’s success is a mix of the dependability of core groups and the strong spirit of young newcomers; she said this formula of enthusiasm is what keeps the vibe of the market alive and exciting.

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“A lot of the young vendors see an opportunity to start a business and grow a business for not a lot of overhead cost,” Cooper explained. “The farmer’s market is a very reasonable place to start out.”

Cooper also said it is an excellent way for members of the community to get to know the vendors first-hand.

“You get to sit there, and talk to people,” Cooper said. “It is a better method of introducing the product – to find out what people do and do not like.”

Cooper said there is a steady core group which returns year after year, and the ongoing support of their business from customers has been a great supporting backbone to carry forward the popularity and sustainability of the market.

When it comes to selling at the market, there is one rule of thumb to follow.

“You either need to bake it, grow it or make it in Saskatchewan. It has to be a product in Saskatchewan,” Cooper said.

The North Battleford Farmer’s market is already up and running and will be on every Saturday until October from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot on 100th St. across from the Sasktel store. The market in Battleford is expected to begin its season in mid-June and will be running on Thursday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Battleford Furniture.

Email: Colleen.smith@jpbg.ca

Twitter handle: ColleenAJSmith