The Kwantlen Farmers Market in Richmond is brimming with fresh produce -- a sure sign that the summer season of farmers markets has arrived.
Students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Farm School program are back for another year at Minoru Plaza.
“I absolutely love it. I enjoy the fact that people are asking us about our food, about our program.” says Rachel Cassidy, sustainable agriculture student.
The market is a way for students to showcase what they’ve learned. From planting and growing to harvesting and selling, students learn sustainable agriculture practices new farmers need to know.
“We read the plans, find out which successions are going in and all about the seeding,” says Cassidy.
Each week, the market offers different fruits and vegetables including carrots, beets, turnips and kale.
“Working the market gives you a very good sense of what it will be like if you want to run your own farm, which most of us do. It’s great. It shows us exactly what’s involved in doing that,” says Cassidy.
The market runs every Tuesday, May to October, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond.