Rebecca Sweetman pitches the idea of an indoor Picton Farmers’ Market at the committee of the whole meeting on May 25, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Food insecurity has been identified as a huge concern for Prince Edward County residents so for Rebecca Sweetman it makes perfect sense to open an indoor Farmers’ Market.
At Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting the owner of Hawkridge Homestead pitched the idea of opening a market located potentially at the former Picton Fire Hall.
During her presentation she said through research and consultations with local farmers an overwhelming need for a Farmers’ Market in the County has been identified. She said with council’s support the market will be operated as a community run enterprise. She explained it will feature the best of the County’s farm produced products while engaging youth and educating the youth on food security and sovereignty in a vibrant community hub.
Sweetman said ideally it would be open two days a week with 40 vendors. She says she would like it to open in the spring of 2018.
Mayor Robert Quaiff said he sees the market as an asset to the area however they are still waiting for a staff report with respect to the surplussing of the former fire hall itself.
Mayor Robert Quaiff market
The committee requested a staff report on the proposal.
