10 public markets in the Montérégie-Ouest officially began their new season on Wednesday, June 15.
A number of community organizers met at the Huntingdon Farmers’ Market to launch the invitation to these various public markets which welcome consumers every week during the summer months.
« Visiting a public market is a unique opportunity for citizens to meet with people who are passionate about their trade and purchase fresh, quality products, » declared Ian Ward, coordinator for the Farmers’ Market which is held every Wednesday in Huntingdon.
Set up on Dalhousie St. opposite Prince-Arthur Park, the Huntingdon Farmers’ Market welcomes local producers for 22 weeks, up to October 5. An average of 250 to 300 visitors enjoy purchasing food products available in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
An economic contribution
By offering products not found in the larger super markets, each public market is unique and essential to the local economy. « In Huntingdon, the impact is felt as much by local producers as by local businesses who benefit from customer traffic, » mentioned Ward.
Jean-Pierre Lessard, Regional Director of MAPAQ in the Montérégie, pointed out that the agri-food business represents some 80 000 workers in the Montérégie and that the region represents a quarter of agricultural production in Quebec.
Saint-Anicet producer Sylvain Gascon and spokesperson for the Association des marchés publics du Québec, mentioned the services offered by the association which includes some one hundred members in Québec.
Apart from the directory, which is available on the web site www.ampq.ca, the organization is also the founder of the Semaine québécoise des marchés publics which takes place this August 12 to 21.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
