Farmers Market an essential buy-local option for healthy food

As early as March 24^th in this crazy pandemic lockdown era, the Ontario Government officially deemed Farmers’ Markets to be an “essential” service in the province. And how essential it is, for us to be able to have locally-produced food, with a provenance you can rely on. We are lucky in the Valley to have access to a number of nearby markets, and we are happy to tell you that the Barry’s Bay Farmers Market season will begin on Friday May 22.

Barry’s Bay Farmers Market Manager Jonathan de Groot, of de Groot’s Farm, has been working closely with the Renfrew County & District Health Unit (RCDHU), the Ontario Farmers’ Market Association (OFMA) and the Township of Madawaska Valley (MV) since March to ensure that Valley producers can bring you the usual excellent range of delicious local foods. He advised The Current last month that although nothing had been finalized at the time, “I think it’s really important to note that we hope to operate and plan on doing so in a very professional and organized manner with specific guidelines in place for all vendors, with a focus on the importance of local food producers and farms who have been declared essential by the provincial government.”

De Groot has achieved this, having obtained permission from RCDHU last month and then last Tuesday having received written permission from MV for the Barry’s Bay Farmers Market. He acknowledged cooperation of both saying, “A special thank you to the municipality and local health unit for their work and involvement in keeping the market going on behalf of all the vendors.”

What’s different?

Well, this pandemic has necessitated a few changes and adjustments that mean the “What” and the “Where” have had to change.

First, the “What.” According to de Groot being an “essential service” means that the Farmers Market will operate like a grocery store. So while you will be able to buy your usual favourite food items as provided for by Ontario’s Essential Workplace Order, local crafters will not be at the market when it reopens.

New location

Next, the “Where.” Because the Barry’s Bay Railway Station visitor centre is not yet open, and in any event the outdoor area where vendors previously set up is considered a “parkland,” the Barry’s Bay Farmers Market will open in a new location this year. The new spot is on John Street (County Road 62) at the corner of Stafford Street. Vendors’ booths will be located in the municipally-owned parking lot located where the old Shell Station used to be. This is in the area between the back of the municipal offices and the Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406. de Groot said the Legion has offered the use of its parking lot for those readers who visit the market by car, for which he said the market is very grateful.

Of course, the question everyone asks is “When,” and despite the cancellation of Bay Day this year, the regular Barry’s Bay Market will open on schedule on Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m.

Then, there is the “How.” de Groot explained how the market will operate in its new location.

There will be one entry and one exit to the market in order to facilitate one-way shopping. Once you are in the market area, you will find the vendors (approximately a dozen local food producers) lined up in a row so you can proceed to shop along a one-way system. Of course, you must observe the usual physical distancing requirements, and many vendors will set up a system (possibly using extra tables) to make it easy for you to do this. Some vendors are already able to take advance orders by telephone or online, so you can place your order early and then collect your goods on Friday at the market. You will find that some vendors are able to accept contactless (cashless) payment, but cash is still accepted.

de Groot says that although it is not mandated by the provincial association or by the RCDHU, he has ensured that every vendor has their own handwashing station. In accordance with the OFMA protocol, there will be no food samples offered, and no reusable or customer supplied containers. Communal tables or seating will not be available. Please note that this new location does not offer washroom facilities.

For more information, click HERE to see the Barry’s Bay Farmers’ Market page on Facebook.

For readers in the Combermere area, the Saturday Farmers Market is scheduled to open in mid-June. Killaloe Farmers Market customers may have to wait a bit longer, but organizers hope to have a great Garlic Festival in August.

Photos Facebook/Taste of the Valley – Barry’s Bay