‘Tis the season for public markets
The summer season of farmers’ markets is officially underway in the Eastern Townships. Public markets make it possible for the entire population to find varied, quality and delicious local products, which contributes greatly to the vitality of regions throughout Quebec.
“Local agriculture, the local economy and meeting with Quebec producers and processors is increasingly at the heart of consumers’ concerns,” explained Isabelle Brodeur, President of the Association des marchés publics du Québec (AMPQ) in a press release. “Summer farmers’ markets are definitely the right place for everyone to enjoy summer locally!” she said.
Opening of public markets in the Eastern Townships :
Marché public de Valcourt- June 24 Marché local de Stanstead- June 19 Marché de la Gare de Sherbrookejune 19
Marché Villageois de Sawyerville Villager’s Market, Cookshire-eaton July 3
Marché fermier de la Clé des Champs de Saint-camille- June 17
Racine Locavore Market, Racine May 22
North Hatley Country Market - June
5
Melbourne Country Market- May 22 Mansonville Public Market - May 22 Magog Public Market- May 23
Marché de la Petite École, Lingwick - June 11
Lennoxville Public Market June 19
Marché public Lac-mégantic June 12
Marché public d’eastman- June 12
Marché public de Dudswell - June 26
Marché public des collines de Sainte-catherine-dehatley - June 25
Compton Evening Market, Compton - June 17
Ayer’s Cliff Country Market, Ayer’s Cliff - June 27
The growing popularity of farmers’ markets
There are currently more than 140 public markets in Quebec.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Quebecers’ interest in food produced by local farmers has not waned, and Quebec’s public markets are excellent places to discover them and encourage the local economy,” commented Ghislain Gervais, President of Sollio Groupe Coopératif.
The economic and social benefits of public markets are significant. According to a survey conducted by MCE conseils, public markets generate the equivalent of 1,093 full-time jobs and contribute directly and indirectly to Quebec’s GDP to the tune of $145 million.
The AMPQ’S mission is to support the emergence, development and promotion of Quebec’s public procurement network for the benefit of local communities and Quebec agri-food producers and artisans. The Association has more than 140 member farmers’ markets across Quebec.