The Strawberry Dilemma

Local strawberry farmers are dumping their fresh ripe crop to make a point. They can't sell them.  The imported strawberries which the large supermarkets buy are cheaper and the local growers can't compete.

This is a big dilemma when you take a closer look. The local Metro Vancouver farmers are already using cheaper farm labourers but the fact is that the Mexican farmers are using even cheaper labour.  On the outside someone looking in may say "who cares if strawberries come from Mexico". Well, when it comes to the carbon footprint local strawberries aren't shipped very far thus making a small carbon footprint impact.. Also consumers can know that their local  strawberries are grown with appropriate and safe agricultural methods.

Our local farmers need our support otherwise they will not continue. Imagine the trucking industry shuts down and no produce is brought in from the US or Mexico, wouldn't it be nice to know you can still get your fruits and vegetables from local farmers. The more we are dependent on importing our basic food from other countries the more vulnerable we are.

 I say it again, lets support our local strawberry farmers and help them out of this dilemma. We can wait for the government to do something or we can be proactive. Be a conscientious consumer.

Vancouver Farmers Markets

Farmer's Markets are a great way to get fresh locally grown food into the consumers hands. Large cities like Vancouver benefit because Farmer's Markets connect growers and consumers first hand.

So often when consumers buy food from a supermarket little thought is given to where the food was grown or how it was grown. At a Farmer's Market people can talk with the grower and  feel confident that the product they are buying is healthy.  Shopping at a Farmer's Market totally endorses the concept of Eat Fresh and Eat Local. You reduce green house gases by reduced shipping of the product and you encourage the local economy. A win win situation.

Local Farmer's Markets include Trout Lake, Steveston, Kitsilano, West End, Main Street Station and Granville Island.
Check out the BC Farmer's Market Association for a listing of local and province wide Farmer's Markets.