2010 Vendor application 

forms are available by 

clicking on the following 

links: 

2010 Vendor Application -word

2010 Vendor Application - PDF

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Market Launches 

Strategic Planning 

 Unprecedented growth precipitates a new look forward. 

In order to keep pace with the amazing growth in the last few years and to ensure that we are doing everything we possibly can to ensure a quality market that serves our customers, vendors, and the entire community well, the Board of Directors has decided it is time to update our strategic plan.                                                             The Abbotsford Farm and Country Market has seen 30% growth in both vendor and customer participation in each of the last two years. All indications are that this growth rate is not about to level off anytime soon. And while that increased support is very gratifying, it brings with it the necessity to be very sure that we will be ready. We need to take a step back and examine how we can accommodate this growth and still provide the quality experience that has become the norm on Saturday mornings.                                    We are lucky to have enlisted the help of two  professionals who have a long history with the market. Donna Dixson (Bernard) of Flair Innovations and Joanne Severn from Rebar Creative were both involved with the pre-planning and start-up for the market in 2003/2004 and have been avid market supporters every step of the way. 

Donna Dixson, founder of Flair Innovations was also the founding manager of the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market. Flair specializes in collaborative marketing programs for the agri-food and agri-tourism industries. She can help plan a campaign, event, or other promotion, and help do it with Flair! 

Joanne Severn of Rebar Creative was the behind the scenes marketing consultant that raised the bar in 2004, helping the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market become the most successful market launch in BC history! Joanne specializes in branding, marketing strategy, and copywriting.

778.908.5110                   www.doitwithflair.com 

604-855-0355                       www.rebarcreative.com 

As we move forward we hope that you will be able to enjoy the result of our behind the scenes work. You may even get the chance to be an active part implementing the plan as it rolls out. 

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What to Expect

A common question from people who hear about the market is "what can I expect when I get there?" Here are some of the little things that will make this market "the place to be on Saturday mornings":
 

Market Day

It’s Saturday morning, and colourful tents dot Montrose Avenue from George Ferguson Way to Pine Street in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. Local produce growers, small-scale food producers, and creative artisans have just completed the finishing touches on their booths, and not a minute too soon. The shoppers have arrived, browsing among the aromatic baked goods and vibrant salad greens, the colorful handmade soaps and harvest-fresh apples. A local band breaks out in song.

Welcome to the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market.

Founded in 2004 by a partnership which included Community Futures South Fraser, Abbotsford Downtown Business Association and Tourism Abbotsford, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market (AFCM) quickly established itself as the premiere market in the Fraser Valley for locally grown and made products. Quality standards for the Market are high and all products must be grown, processed, baked or handmade in British Columbia. Vendors are approved by an adjudication process and there are a wide range of products, some of which change with the seasons as fresh harvests are brought in.

Market Manager Bruce Fatkin says that the secret to the success of the AFCM is the very high level of community support in Abbotsford. Local business and industry, the City of Abbotsford, Downtown Business Association, Community and Service clubs, volunteers, vendors and our customers all contribute. They all help to make this one of the most vibrant and exciting Markets in BC.

"At a time when most developed societies depend on third world food sources," Fatkin says, "British Columbia Is fortunate enough to produce 50% of it’s own food. A major reason for this is the rich agricultural areas like Abbotsford, which alone produces 25% of the $500,000,000 British Columbia annual agricultural output. And, at a time when most agricultural regions depend on one, or a few, crops, the variety of products from Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley is truly astonishing. Almost all experts agree that the food that is best for you (and the most delicious) is the food grown close by. This is a chance to have some of that best food and meet some of the people who grow, process and prepare it."

Visitors can expect the offerings to change with the seasons, moving from spring produce like rhubarb and berries, to artichokes and such exotics as tomatillos and miniature melons though to Fall bounties of beets and other root vegetables, pumpkins, apples, and fresh cranberries.

Put it on your calendar and we'll
"see you at the market"!