|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 13, 2005
ECO FARMERS' MARKET OPENS FOR SECOND
DELICIOUS SEASON JUNE 17 IN DALSTON
Beginning Friday, June 17, area residents, travellers, and tourists
heading north to cottage country, again have a source of locally
and ecologically grown produce, meats, honey and more, when the
Eco Farmers' Market reopens for the season on Highway 93 at Dalston.
The Eco Farmers' Market, a co-operative effort among local ecological
farmers, is hosted by Hempola Farm. The Grand Opening of the Market's
second season begins the following week, at 3:30 p.m. June 24 with
a special celebration. All visitors to grand opening June 24 will
be able to pick up a booklet of recipes provided by farmers, featuring
foods that they will be selling at the Eco Market this month. This
is the first of three planned recipe booklets available only at
the market throughout the year.
The Eco Market is unique in Simcoe County because it is operated
completely by local farmers, who are members of the Ecological Farmer's
Association of Ontario. All products are raised by the farmers themselves
using such sustainable farming practices as not using herbicides,
pesticides or artificial fertilizers, and making maximum use of
perennial pastures. Many farmers use heirloom seeds and heritage
livestock breeds that make the most of these farming conditions.
Participating farmers come from Oro, Springwater, Essa and Tay townships,
among others.
"Our vision is to support the local economy, the sustainability
of the family farm and preservation of the environment, while offering
fresh, tasty and healthy food choices," said Eco Farmers' Market
manager Kelly Smith. "We're ready to go again this year with
an improved selection of foods. You can come and buy a whole week's
worth of family meals, and feel good about your purchase."
Buying food that has been produced locally can also benefit the
environment. A British study found that if people in the U.K bought
food produced from within 20 kilometres of where they live, the
environmental saving (greenhouse gases, fuel consumed) could be
more than $2 billion.
Products available at the Eco Farmers' Market include pasture-raised
beef, pork and lamb as well as a wide variety of salad greens, seasonal
vegetables, berries, garlic, preserves and apples. Visitors will
also find maple syrup, unpasteurized honey, and fresh baked goods
made with local berries, honey, eggs and organic flours. Herbal
tinctures, herbs, bedding plants and heirloom seeds will be available,
together with handmade natural soap, and local wool.
The market is located just minutes north of Barrie on Highway 93
at Forbes Road in Dalston and is accessible from Highway 11 or Highway
400
It runs from 3:30 p.m. to dusk every Friday until Thanksgiving.
—30—
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: For further information or
to arrange an advance interview or photo opportunity with a farmer
in your area, contact Kelly Smith at (705) 730-0405 or Mark Hall
at (705) 735-9423. Sample recipes are available for publication
in advance. |
