Looking to highlight the unique flavour of the area’s eight farmers’ markets, organizers of them all have come together to offer an opportunity to sample the various vendors and products at each.
Known as the “Farmers’ Market Box Series,” the initiative sees a curated gathering of goods distributed from a different farmers’ market every two weeks.
First up is the Elora Farmers’ Market, set for June 20, with orders closing a week prior.
Other participating farmers’ markets include Guelph, Aberfoyle, Erin, Mapleton, Minto, Rockwood and Wellington North.
In addition to introducing people to the markets, with their varied products and vendors, the idea is to promote farmers’ markets as destinations.
Boxes cost $59 each, with pickup and delivery options. They can be ordered through Wellington County’s Taste Real program’s website.
The box series first launched in 2021 and sold out quickly, states a news release promoting the initiative, which won provincial and international economic development awards.
Special holiday boxes were available in the latter part of last year – something organizers hope to bring back later this year.
In addition, Taste Real is once again offering its farmers’ market trail initiative, which promotes food tourism by encouraging people to explore the various markets in Wellington County.
“Farmers’ markets are an important seasonal economic driver, especially for rural communities.
They provide a sales venue for local farmers, an incubator space for startup businesses, and a
great setting for established businesses trying out a new product,” said Jeff Duncan, chair of
the county’s economic development committee, in a news release. “They are a reason for locals and tourists to visit our downtowns and explore our communities. Based on data provided by Farmers’ Markets Ontario, up to 70 per cent of market-goers visit neighbouring businesses.”
The market trail program sees visitors collect stamps from each market they visit. For every three stamps from different markets, visitors can win one of eight market prize packs worth $100.
For more information about the Farmers’ Market Box Series or Farmers' Market Trail Passport, visit www.tastereal.ca.
