Farmers'Market building community besides selling products

Cape Breton Post May 10, 2007

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By Daniel Doucet . . . Sydney

Congratulations to the Farmers' Market on its new initiatives to expand its services, to collaborate with other markets throughout the province, and to create more public awareness of this valuable resource.

I have been a devotee of the Farmers' Market since it’s beginning on George Street, where it operated outdoors during the late summer months and early fall.

Since then it has grown into a full year operation in the spaciousness of the Sydney Marine Terminal, growing both its offerings and its customers.

I am delighted that it is looking at practical ways to grow even more.

The market offers local residents a variety of top-of-the line products, from meats and produce to breads and pastries, gourmet foods and crafts.

In return for eating healthy foods locally produced, we get to contribute to the local economy, especially the rural economy.

We also get to contribute to the environment because fewer toxins are released into the atmosphere in moving food from Millville or Arichat than from California or Florida.

We enjoy community and we create community by engaging in conversation with the producers and with one another.

Some people have taken to breakfasting or brunching regularly from the delicacies offered there.

One last observation: there is a great deal of talk these days about what we need to do to attract people to move to Cape Breton. There are many things our governments should do and I believe we should demand more of them.

But in the end people will be attracted to move here if they find us to be both healthy and resourceful, capable of creating a community and a lifestyle that we ourselves enjoy.

I commend the members of the Farmers' Market for contributing to such a community.

I encourage fellow citizens to do themselves a favour by patronizing the market.