Chamber lobbies province for change to farmers market rules

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the province to allow non-food items to be sold at farmers markets.

The business group wrote to Dr. Bonnie Henry, Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu, saying without the change, the markets are at risk of shutting down.

“Artisans and local producers rely on community farmers markets to offer goods, often without the ability to sell their products elsewhere. The market itself depends on the extra revenue from non-food vendors to operate. Without this, farmers markets and local food vendors, which are essential services, are at risk of shutting down as well,” Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president, said.

Non-food vendors have not been allowed at farmers markets since Dec. 3, 2020, but were a fundamental part of market operations throughout the summer and fall of 2020.

Kempton said the chamber supports the government’s efforts to help small business owners during the pandemic, adding there is no better example of small business entrepreneurial spirit than those who produce food or non-food items for farmers markets.

“They are our friends, neighbours and family, and critical to local economies, particularly in the Interior. Given that winter farmers markets are underway and planning for spring and summer markets has started, the chamber encourages the government to make an immediate decision to permit non-food vendors at farmers markets,” Kempton said.

The chamber adds as long as the health and safety measures are followed, artisans and local producers should be able to sell their products at the markets.

“Organizers of farmers markets have demonstrated their willingness and ability to ensure the safety of consumers and vendors. Allowing consumers to access nonfood items at retail outlets while barring it from the market negatively and disproportionately affects small local businesses,” the chamber president added.