The Province of Manitoba is providing $32,300 to the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market Co-op to explore development opportunities that will help ensure its sustainability and manage future growth Premier Greg Selinger announced as the popular marketplace in the St. Norbert community opened for the 2010 season.
“The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is a well-recognized local garden-market destination that has demonstrated a long track record of success,” said Selinger. “The funding we are announcing today will help support Vision 2020, the initiative established by the partners in this co-op to address the challenges of infrastructure and controlled expansion, and identify future growth opportunities.”
Le Marché Saint-Norbert Farmers’ Market Co-op, a non-profit co-operative, first opened in 1988 and now includes more than 130 full-time vendors and approximately 50 casual vendors.
The Vision 2020 initiative was prompted by the need to manage the SNFM’s growing popularity and aging infrastructure, help the co-op to become more financially sustainable and capitalize on the changing face of the St. Norbert business zone, the premier said. The study is expected to cost $65,000.
“We really appreciate this investment in the future of our market,” said Phil Veldhuis, president of Le Marché Saint-Norbert Farmers’ Market Co-op. “This investment will develop a long-term vision for the market that will allow for growth but keep true to our roots as a local producer-driven marketplace.”
The premier noted earlier this year the province also provided the co-operative with $10,000 through the Farmers’ Market Enhancement Project which is administered through the Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba. These funds have been used for site improvements.
While attending the market, Selinger also launched Manitoba’s Local Produce Guide for 2010. The guide identifies the locations and dates of farmers’ markets and pre-picked market stands, U-pick vegetable gardens and community supported farms around the province. The guide is available at all Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO offices, Travel Manitoba’s tourism information centres and the Destination Winnipeg office.
“Manitoba’s farmers’ markets are a great place to showcase local fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs and artisan items produced here in Manitoba,” said the premier. “Purchases made at these markets benefit both consumers and the variety of family businesses that set up shop at these locations. The provincial government is proud to support these efforts and I encourage all Manitobans to do the same.”
The Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba currently has 40 members located throughout the province. It is estimated that farmers’ markets in Manitoba generate approximately $2.3 million in annual sales with an estimated economic impact in excess of $10 million.
