When is the PFM and why have you chosen these times?

• The market runs every Wednesday from May 16th to October 31st from 11-3pm. These months are typically the peak-growing season in the Fraser Valley.  Although we wish we could accommodate everyone’s work and school schedules, the six-hour span hopes to accommodate both those on lunch breaks and who can make it back up the hill after work.

What can I buy?

• Fresh local and organic produce, freshly baked bread, refreshing drinks, free range organic eggs, honey, salsa, jams, pickles and more!

Why is the market only at SFU Burnaby and not Harbour Centre or Surrey?

• Although we’d love to be able to distribute fresh, local food at all SFU campuses, we’re very limited in our capacity.  However, there are many farmers markets/pocket farmers markets all over Greater Vancouver. To find the one closest to you, click here.

Why the “pocket?”

• A pocket market is generally smaller than a farmers market but the main difference is that at a pocket market, we sell the product so the farmers don’t have to leave the field! The food sold at the market is obtained directly from local farms and sold on behalf of the farmer, lessening the burden to attend multiple markets, increasing the economic viability of local food production by creating new avenues for distribution, and broadening access to fresh, local food within the community.

Can other people sell crafts/food?

• All of the vendors that are represented at the SFU market are also members of the Coquitlam Farmers Market. In order to assure quality and consistency, all interested vendors are required to apply through the Coquitlam Farmers Market jury system. The Coquitlam Farmers Market holds two juries per year to fill the limited number of spaces available for craft and prepared food vendors. You can contact them directly for jury information and application materials at info@makebakegrow.com.  All vendors who wish to sell prepared food items, must also complete Appendix 3 of the Fraser Health Authority’s new Temporary Food Market guidelines.

How do you determine your prices?

• The SFU market has an agreement with our farmers/vendors to sell their product at the same price they sell for at other farmers markets. As we are not a retailer and do not want to undercut our vendors, we want to ensure we are offering a fair price to both our producers and our customers. To ensure we have a variety of price options that are affordable and accessible, we try to offer a selection of conventional produce in addition to organic produce each Market.
• Why is local and organic more expensive? Local organic food will almost always come at a higher price because of the extra costs associated with becoming certified and using only organic methods. As Christopher Bodner, a local organic farmers explains, “customers often don’t understand the difference between a fair price and a false price. We’re used to cheap food from large grocery stores that has almost always been subsidized, is often cultivated by unsustainable/unfair labour, and doesn’t effectively satisfy the nutritional needs of an unhealthy population. Food shouldn’t be easy; it shouldn’t be cheap; it should be fair.” Be sure to check out the comparative study that will soon be presented at the market for a more in-depth understanding of food pricing.

What is the difference between conventional, organic, and no-spray?

• Conventional: Refers to typical, widespread farming practices that may use synthetically produced fertilizer and pesticides.  This does not mean conventional farmers are not concerned about the health and environmental considerations of using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Many have adopted sustainable growing methods, such as beneficial insects, cover cropping and reduced chemical usage.

• Organic: The original principles of organic farming are based on the minimal use of off-farm inputs and on practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony. When ecological harmony is achieved, the need for measures to control pest damage is reduced because the plants are healthier and do not attract the pests. Organic farming practices do not ensure that products are free of residues; it stresses methods to minimize pollution to the air, soil, and water by using products that readily break down in the soil. Organic is a method used to produce food, not the food product itself.

• No-spray/Pesticide-free: Indicates that there are no sprays applied to the produce. This does not indicate what farming methods a farmer uses or that the produce is free of pesticide residue. Contact the farmer to know if anything has been applied to the surface of the produce if this is a concern to you.

How can I get a Pocket Farmers Market in my community or neighbourhood?

• The Coquitlam Farmers Market operates many pocket markets in Metro Vancouver. Contact their General Pocket Market Manager, Alaina Thebault, about bringing a pocket market to your neighbourhood: pocketmarket@makebakegrow.com or 778-808-8057.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

• We’re always accepting applications to join the pocket market team! If you’re interested in being part of bringing local food to your campus community, please contact Alaina Thebault at pocketmarket@makebakegrow.com.