Calling all farmers, foodies and fun seekers.
Today through Sunday (March 2 to 4), the Inn at Laurel Point will host the annual conference, Growing Together, and the Farmers’ Market Awards Gala organized by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. More than 150 producers, artisans, community and local food enthusiasts are expected to participate in the three-day event.
Workshops, roundtable sessions and networking events will be held in multiple downtown locations.
The conference, which is open to the public, includes over 15 sessions with topics that range from food safety and the new B.C. organic regulations to non-profit board governance, social media strategy, creating waste-free community events and how small operation farmers can be successful at farmers’ markets.
Tickets can be purchased for individual workshops and networking events, or the full conference weekend.
Speakers include Steve Walker Duncan, vice-president of the Island Chefs Collaborative and chef educator with Growing Chefs; Ethan Adeland and Melissa Hartfield, co-founders of Food Bloggers of Canada, and Jen Gamble of the Certified Organic Associations of BC.
The conference and festivities are organized by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, in partnership with the Esquimalt, James Bay and Moss Street farmers’ markets.
Tickets are available for individual workshops or the entire weekend. Information is available at bcfarmersmarket.org and clicking on the Growing Together icon.
The association is a registered society representing over 145 farmers’ markets and is dedicated to fostering the industry and its people.