Fortunately for Arc Acres, Sun Dynasty Farm and Savage & Fils, there’s a growing desire among Canadian consumers for local and organic food for the nutritional value it provides.
For Shelley Lucas, a local Ottawa shopper who lives in Barrhaven, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Landsdowne provides what she wants.
Even though local vendors have to sell at a higher price point than the grocery store, Lucas feels that the cost is worth the better product.
She regularly buys grass-fed beef from Payne for the higher quality of meat.
“The colour is what kind of threw me off in the first place. Grocery store meat tends to be very pink,” said Lucas. “(Payne)’s was almost a burgundy colour. And there was a little bit of a different taste. I felt like I was getting more healing aspects.”
She also wants to support local producers and vendors.
“I think it’s important that we support our communities before we’re out supporting these big corporations,” she said.
“And I’d highly recommend to everyone that if you’re looking to change some things in your life, I think it’s important that we go directly to the farmers and pay them, versus going to the grocery stores that really don’t care.”
Many Canadians are also looking to shop for local Canadian products due to the ongoing trade skirmish with the United States.
“I had to wrap my mind around the idea that if we’re shopping for convenience, then you’re not always getting mindful products,” said Lucas.
Erin Perry, the operations manager of Ottawa Farmers’ Market, believes that the direct producer-to-consumer model that the market provides is beneficial in multiple ways.
One of those is the way in which farmers markets encourage seasonal eating.
“Eating seasonally will teach you two things in one,” she said. “It’ll teach you to look forward to each season for what it gives you. It also teaches you that things taste best in season. Major difference.”
She says people love the farmers’ market for the community aspect.
“It’s a fun weekend activity. You’re going to see something you’ve probably never seen before, and you’re going to eat something that’s really delicious,” said Perry.