LETTER: Local farmers first

Editor's note: Barb Hinde is chair of the Board of Directors for Squamish Farmers’ Market

This is in response to a letter printed in The Chief on June 29 about bringing Kacey back to the Squamish Farmers’ Market.

A couple of points I want to make right off the bat – this is the longest discussion based on totally inaccurate information that I have ever been involved in. The second point is that this is nothing personal against Kacey. He is a very gracious and generous man but he is not local, nor has he ever won a “top vendor” contest, as no such contest exists. All our vendors are “top vendors.” I’m sure each customer has their favourite vendor but as an organization, we do not run popularity contests at any time. 

The aim of the market is to give local vendors an opportunity to sell their products that they have made, baked or grown. Yes, we have vendors from outside of the Sea to Sky Corridor because this area does not promote fruit growth nor do we have local honey or meat producers. But we have hard working farmers throughout the corridor and they deserve a place to sell their produce.

So let me say this one final time – Kacey was not banned, booted out or denied access to the Squamish Farmers’ Market. He is currently on the waiting list so in the event that a local farmer leaves the market, there may be space for him to return. But if another local farmer applies to the market, they get priority. Kacey is not at the market because he is not local, plain and simple.

And to address the concern about “food justice,” which I assume is providing affordable produce for single mothers and pensioners. 

The market is not the only place in Squamish that sells produce. There are three very well stocked grocery stores here, often with products on sale,  that provide viable options. The market is concerned about keeping our food local and sustainable.

The Squamish Farmers’ Market believes very strongly in supporting local producers of all kinds. Farmers – and all our other vendors - work hard to provide the best products they can and it is the market’s desire to support them. Kacey was a valuable vendor while he was with our market and we wish him well as he continues to sell his produce in the Lower Mainland. But for us – local is best.