The harvest is on! So much local food arriving at the Farmers鈥� Markets even in a year of challenging weather for local farmers.

鈥淪ome of our farmers have definitely had a hit on their production this year due to the cold winter, and long wet spring,鈥� says Vickey Brown, executive director of the Comox Valley Farmers鈥� Market Association.

She wants us to know how important it is to support farmers especially in these challenging times.

鈥淟uckily small farms are quite versatile, and are able to recoup from set backs like this relatively quickly. But, if you鈥檝e noticed less produce or vendors on the field, this is why,鈥� said Brown.

This summer saw three weekly markets in the Valley; including Saturdays at the Exhibition Grounds, Sundays in Cumberland and Wednesdays in Downtown Courtenay. The Wednesday Market will wrap up this week, with Sundays continuing until Sept. 17, and Saturdays until Oct. 21, moving into the Native Son鈥檚 Hall on Oct. 28.

With the harvest comes the celebration! Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Exhibition Grounds is Customer Appreciation Day, with 45 dozen freshly picked cobs of corn prepared for customers to enjoy, along with raffles for a variety of other Market goodies.

Sept 10 join the North Vancouver Island Chef鈥檚 Association for a Farmers鈥� Market Food Fest at the Sunday Market in Cumberland. Guest chefs use market product to whip up samples on site.

Diversity is key to farmers鈥� markets and the Comox Valley Farmers鈥� Markets continue to attract new and interesting local producers to compliment the fruits, veggies and meats that we鈥檝e come to expect. This year鈥檚 new additions include year-round greens grown vertically and hydroponically, fresh picked cultivated mushrooms, Garry Oaks seedlings, a full line of healthy body and cleaning products and a new line of hot sauces.

鈥淲ithout our customers鈥� support, we鈥檇 never have the vendor successes we have,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to recognize the extra effort our customers make to shop with us, this is their day.鈥�