It has been 12 years since the Island Roots Market Co-operative became a registered co-op, an idea that came forward from voices of would-be farmers who found there was no place to sell their produce year-round.
The Island Roots Market was created to fill the gap in the lack of winter markets in the community. The market teamed up with the Bowen Road Farmer’s Market which only ran during the summer until Island Roots Market took over management.
Michele Greene is the market manager and a current board member of the co-op, She said the market has an emphasis on selling locally grown produce and baked goods.
CHLY spoke with Greene about the last 12 years of the market and its growing popularity.
As well, CHLY spoke with long-time handmade soap seller Colleen Gerbrandt, and City of Nanaimo Councillor and regular market shopper Hilary Eastmure about her love for the market and supporting local farmers.
