More details were released during a council meeting about the virtual farmers’ market that the Town of Bancroft is working on.
Clerk Lianne Sauter detailed the plans Tuesday explaining that the online-based market will have a dedicated period for shoppers, and a way for vendors to set-up a place and time for people to pick up their goods once a week. “This a model that’s being supported by the Farmers’ Markets of Ontario and they are providing the financial support to cover the cost associated with the online platform,” Sauter added.
She says they hope to have the platform up and running by June.
The online platform will allow vendors to create a profile which will include the products they’re selling. The Town is also asking that weekly updates be posted on how much the vendors has in terms of goods, price and payment terms.
You need to register with the Town of Bancroft and pay $25 to become a member with Farmers’ Markets of Ontario and for insurance to become a vendor. A Zoom meeting is being held on May 13th at 1 PM and May 14th at 10 AM to give more details on how the new platform will work.
If you’re interested in registering, the Town says to email [email protected] or call the municipal office at 613-332-3331.
As for shoppers, the Town says it will be no different from other online shops. You will be able to browse each vendor, choose what goods you want and how much of it and it will be added to your virtual shopping cart.
The Bancroft Farmers’ Market says on Facebook that all requirements set by Public Health for farmers’ markets are being followed. “Some markets have a great volunteer base and are able to meet the requirements for a physical market,” they added in their post. “We want to ensure our vendors can access a Farmers Market of Ontario market (and insurance, and a few other benefits that come with being an FMO market) and this is the best way for us to do that during COVID-19. Many others are using this model, while many others have cancelled entirely.”
They added that while some markets are able to continue operating with minimal changes because they can meet the new requirements. “Unfortunately opening like normal isn’t an option this year,” they said about Bancroft’s market.