Manitobans can enjoy more of their favourite locally grown and produced foods this summer, under new guidelines allowing farmers’ markets to open for more days, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk and Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced.
“The popularity of farmers’ markets across the province continues to grow and the new guidelines introduced today will give Manitobans even more opportunities to purchase made-in-Manitoba products and support our local economies,” said Wowchuk. “Farmers markets will now be open almost double the time they were able to operate before.”
The new guidelines allow markets to be open for two days a week during the season, which is about 24 days in total. Previously, markets were only able to operate 14 days for the entire season. Responsibilities and rules for the operation of farmers’ markets, as well as proper food-handling and safety practices for people preparing items to sell, are also included in the updated guidelines.
“Farmers’ markets offer a wide range of food products, so it’s important they are prepared safely to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses,” said Oswald. “Public health inspectors will continue to work closely with market operators and vendors to make sure the food Manitobans purchase is safe for the consumer.”
The changes announced today, reflect the recommendations made to government by farmers’ markets and other stakeholders.
“We are thrilled with the changes and additions to the new guidelines and have worked with the province to make these improvements,” said Dianna Mae Hocaluk, executive director of the Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba. “The guidelines will help our markets access more information about food-safety procedures and also respond to a growing demand for Manitoba-made products by being open for more days.”
For more information about farmers’ markets across the province, visit www.manitobafarmersmarkets.ca.
