Address at the Brockville Farmers Market opening

May 05, 2007

I am pleased to be here today as the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville to help open the 175th year anniversary Farmer’s Market.

I will keep my comments brief but I want to congratulate all the vendors for continuing to provide this service and their goods to the public.

Farmers markets are positive for the community.

They are good for farmers because they provide a different source of revenue, helping them in today’s sometimes difficult climate.

They give farmer’s more control over their economic lives.

And of course there is a social and networking aspect to markets where retailers can visit with other retailers and learn from them.

Farmer’s markets are also good for the local economy. Many people who visit this market will also knock on a few other doors while they are down town.

They are good for consumers - providing variety and locally-produced, healthy products.

They also help strengthen the community by adding to the quality of life.

Finally they are good for the environment. There is less packaging involved, the food travels fewer miles and they can be an important outlet for organically grown and other less-intensively produced food.

Welcome everyone and have a great season.