The provincial government is making it easier to find farmer’s markets with a new app.
The app lists approved farmers markets, meaning 80% of the vendors meet the "make it, bake it, grow it" criteria.
“It’s become a really important part of our agriculture economy is the farmers markets, here’s another tool for Albertans to be able to find those farmers,” said Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
The app lists locations, hours, what’s in season and where you can find those foods. The Conference Board of Canada estimates the economic footprint of rural Alberta is more than 77 billion dollars annually. The vendors say the app really helps provide people with fresh, local food.
“Support the economy, support Alberta itself and its nice to know you can drive out to the farm and see where your food is coming from,” said Adrian Kaspar of Fresh Delicious.
“Its picked fresh every week and it comes in fresh every week so we can pick it when its ready,” said Christine DeBoer of Tomato Man.
Shoppers say they like the atmosphere at farmers markets, which often have live musicians and unique arts and crafts, but it’s the food that makes the difference.
“I’m a firm believer in supporting people from the area, local farmers, local produce people,” said shopper Blair MacDonald.
“It’s gotta be fresher if it was grown here than California or Mexico or wherever,” added shopper Sharon MacDonald.
The app cost 40-thousand dollars and took four months to develop. There are more than 120 Alberta approved farmers market listed on the app. It's available for Apple or Android devices.
