Farmers markets in BC can now apply for funding from the Canadian and BC governments, to help cover costs of expansion on local food and beverage sales, and to prepare for potential emergencies.

The new BC Farmers Market Expansion Program is providing $475,000 in funding, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.

The program aims to encourage the attendance of more vendors, and to support operations during emergencies to ensure communities have continued access to food.

Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, said “through the pandemic and extreme weather events the province has seen over the last year and a half, the importance of local food has never been greater.”

The funding can also be used for signs, merchandising, storage, transportation, power, and operational costs.

Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, co-operatives, for-profit corporations, local governments and First Nations that operate a farmers’ market that primarily sells B.C. food and beverage products.

Noted, a Farmers’ Market must have been in operation for at least one year (established prior to November 2020) or operated in the summer 2021 season to be eligible.

Applications are open until January 28th. 2022, and can be found Here . More information about this funding program can also be found Here.