Bishop University’s new farmers’ market has been a huge success so far. Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 28, Les Hôtes Épinettes sets up in the white gazebo in the Quad, and students and faculty alike come to collect their pre-selected five or ten items of produce, or to peruse the selection that week. The pre-selected items are CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) baskets, which were available through a sign-up email sent this August. The options provided were nine baskets (for those on campus on Sept. 2) or seven baskets (for those on campus on Sept. 9), and students received 15 per cent off on either choice. 

Every Sunday night, those with baskets receive an email asking them to pick from a variety of produce so it is ready for them on Friday. So far, lettuce and tomatoes (large or cherry) have been required selections, and the other options include garlic, celery, ground cherries, cabbage, kohlrabi, cucumber, squash, kale, cantaloup melon, onion, green onion, eggplant, and cilantro. They also have extra products, including zucchini relish, tomato sauce, arugula pesto, garlic flower pesto, black currant or red currant jelly, and maple syrup. 

Another popular option is a carton of a dozen farm fresh brown eggs, available on a first-come, first-serve capacity. Brought about by graduate Jaiden Stockill’s research, the Sustainable Development Office and the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) department have partnered with Camille, owner of a local family farm Les Hôtes Épinettes, to provide a symbiotic relationship between farmer and student. They are a certified organic farm that specializes mainly in produce. They are members of la CAPÉ (la coopérative pour l’agriculture de proximité écologique) and Family Farmers Quebec. On Sept. 9, I passed by the market around the time it started and a line had already formed. The gazebo had been decorated with little purple streamers. 

The market and CSA baskets are one of the many recent additions to Bishop’s campus intended to make the university a more eco-friendly school. Sustainable Transportation Week, organized by the Sustainable Development Office, has just concluded, having encouraged carpooling, bussing, and walking to campus, and having organised presentations from local environmental organisations on the importance of environmental conservation. 

This is a very exciting addition to Bishop’s campus life, and with the lowering of COVID guidelines and the reemergence of community spirit, it is hopefully something that will continue and grow. One tip to keep in mind before lining up, make sure to bring your own bag!

For more information, visit https://www.ubishops.ca/wp-content/uploads/CSAFlyer_2022.pdf for information on how the CSA Baskets work and http://www.leshotesepinettes.ca/ for more information on the farm.