A well-known vendor has been asked not to come back to the Squamish Farmers’ Market this year, prompting backlash from many loyal customers, and also understanding from those who want to put Sea to Sky Corridor farmers first.
The vendor, long known as Kacey, has been bringing low-cost vegetables to Squamish from the Fraser Valley for years and is considered by many residents to be a staple at the market. They are fond of him for his cheery disposition and for remembering customers by name.
But there are also farmers from the corridor, and the Squamish Farmers’ Market board has now put Kacey on a waitlist, giving local farmers first dibs.
The decision prompted a heated reaction on social media, much of it concern from Squamish residents who are asking that Kacey be brought back.
Many of those who want Kacey to come back say he has a wider selection of vegetables – especially since vegetables in the corridor are delayed due to the harsh winter – and say his cheaper prices are the reason they shop for food at the market. Kacey gets his produce from the Fraser Valley, and they argue that this is more local than Mexico or California, two popular sources for fruit and vegetables sold in big box stores.
On the other hand, those in support of the decision say the needs of smaller Sea to Sky farmers should come first and praise their organic selection.
Is there room at the market for both Kacey and the other vendors? Based on its decision, the Squamish Farmers’ Market board doesn’t think so. He needs to go so other vendors have a chance to sell more.
It was a tough decision to make. In the end, the board chose to support Sea to Sky farmers first, even if that means that selection of vegetables is less and the prices are higher due to being organic and grown by smaller operations.
Over the next few weeks, we will see if Kacey’s customers will switch to buy from other market farmers or opt to shop at big box stores instead.
