Puslinch has a good thing growing in the Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market.
President Blair Moch and secretary Cathy Smith updated Puslinch councillors on Dec. 21 on the market successes over the past year and since its inception half a decade ago.
Prior to discussion, councillor Matthew Bulmer stepped aside, announcing a pecuniary interest as he provides services to the organization.
Moch described herself as a resident of Puslinch since 2010.
She explained “I started as a volunteer … and fairly quickly transitioned to a board member.”
“… but I’ve also been a vendor – both a craft vendor and prepared food vendor.”
She thanked council for its support of the annual market, which is operated by the Aberfoyle Farmers Market Association, a non-profit organizations run by a volunteer board of directors.
“We had an excellent season in 2016,” she added.
Since its inception, the market has promoted a family friendly farmer-first focussed market.
Moch said the intent was for the market to serve as a community hub … and in doing so, enhance the local economy.
“This of course, is made possible by the support of the township, by our vendors, by our other community groups and the large group of volunteers supporting the project behind the scenes and in the day-to-day operations.”
Moch stated community building is the core of the market. The market offers a free stall for community groups and soccer snacks for Puslinch minor soccer players.
In addition, the market is involved with fundraising for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre.
Moch said the market enhances the local economy, as “many of the customers and vendors are from within the local community.”
She sees the market as an incubator for local startup businesses, where vendors have grown beyond the market to create larger businesses, restaurants and storefront operations.
“It gives us a revolving selection of produce and products,” Moch said.
“On top of being proud to be a valued community hub, we get a lot of feedback from our regular customers.”
She said there is a real sense of family and those at the market have been invited to share their knowledge elsewhere.
In addition, original ideas in Aberfoyle have been duplicated by other markets, Moch said.
She stated the market requires the continued support of the township to position itself as an important part of the community.
This means continued work to build up local and Guelph marketing to reach new customers, update or replace signs stolen or damaged in 2016, maintain affordable vendor rates to support local farmers and produce, and encourage new vendors to join the market.
“There is a completely untapped segment in the south end of the township who do not even realize we exist,” said Moch.
She added, “We are focussed on growing the market from the current 70 per cent occupancy rate to 80 per cent over the next few years.”
Councillors John Sepulis described the market “as one of the jewels of the township. I look forward to continued visits.”
Councillor Ken Roth agreed the market is a community hub.
“When I do go, I find it has such a nice atmosphere … and it is good quality,” said Roth.
Councillor Susan Fielding stated that for the age of the market, it is becoming quite an institution within Puslinch.
People recognize the nice welcoming, atmosphere the market offers, she said, adding, “You’ve done the community proud.”
Mayor Dennis Lever added, “certainly its been successful … there’s a steady stream of people coming in, and those walking out with bags of produce in hand.”
He quipped, “My wife has a particular attraction to the fresh vegetables there. I however was somewhat disappointed when the cupcakes disappeared … I always found them in season.”
Lever commented the cupcake vendor was one of those vendors that had grown beyond the market.
He looked forward to a long partnership with the market in the future.
