In October 2007, I paid a visit to the community of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. With a population of 80,000, it came as a surprise to discover that the city does not maintain a functioning farmers' market where food is the focus.

The Food Sustainability Sub-Committee of the Mid-Island Co-op recognized the absence of a market as a significant threat to the already vulnerable state of Vancouver Island agriculture.

In response, they organized a one-day Farmers' Showcase. The event acted as a trial farmers' market to determine the feasibility of such an event on a weekly basis.

With over 3,000 people swarming upon the farmers and producers, the success of the market was a clear sign of the healthy potential for an increase in local food production on Vancouver Island.

Guests

Dirk Becker, farmer/activist, Compassion Farms (Lantzville, B.C.) -- Dirk farms organically on 2.5 acres. He uses farming as a means to inspire others to reconnect with the land of which we are a part. Dirk is a member of the Food Sustainability Sub-Committee of the Mid-Island Co-op. He hosts a weekly radio program on CHLY Nanaimo -- Heart and Mind 1-2 p.m.

Arata Tanaka, baker, Flour, Water, Salt Breads (Mill Bay, BC) -- In 2006, Arata was permitted to build a wood-fired brick oven on the property of Merridale Estate Cidery. He sells his bread at Vancouver Island markets.

Betty Benson, farmer, Cedar Valley Poultry (Nanaimo, B.C.) -- The Benson family has been supporting agriculture in the Nanaimo area since 1948. Betty now raises organic chickens and turkeys and recently launched an adopt-a-turkey program.

Bob Handel, farmer, Happy Beef (Nanaimo, B.C.) -- According to their customers, Bob and Gerry Handel maintain and sell some of the finest tasting beef on Vancouver Island.

Maureen Drew, partner, Artisan Edibles Fine Food Company (Parksville, B.C.) -- Artisan Edibles' condiments and preserves blend the best flavours of Vancouver Island and the world. Their mission is to develop flavourful condiments using Vancouver Island's natural bounty.

Stan Reist, co-owner, Flying Dutchman (Nanaimo, B.C.) -- Supplies bees, bee-keeping supplies and honey sales from the mountains and valleys of Vancouver Island.

Craig Evans, lanscape & garden coordinator, Providence Farm (Duncan, B.C.) -- Providence Farm is working organic farm dedicated to restoring the spirit and skills of those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Sharon Vansickle, Sharon's Kitchen Crafts (Nanaimo, B.C.) -- Sharon produces a wide-range of condiments and preserves and offers canning workshops to area-residents.

Lorelai Andrew, Food Sustainability Sub-Committee, Mid-Island Co-op (Nanaimo, BC)

Related Tyee stories:

• All Tyee podcasts
  
• The 100-Mile Diet Series
  
• Slow Food's Growing Pains
  Want to eat local? You'll have to get in line.