It’s probably a safe bet that the majority of Cochranites don’t know the people who grow and raise the food we eat.
Mireille Hamel is hoping to change that.
She’s organizing the 7th Annual Tea with local producers – a way to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers.
“It was one way to open the perspective of how producers can reach the consumer.”
The tea will bring in a number of food producers from the surrounding area. Each producer presents their product’s story, their vision and challenges in bringing the food from farm to plate. Afterward, people can interact with the producers and ask them questions. Each will have a table set up where attendees can then place orders directly.
The event will feature a lineup of locally raised products such as beef, elk, turkey, lamb and chicken that can be ordered. Locally made and grown honey, mead, berries and vegetables will also be up for offer.
Hamel admits the Cochrane area isn’t known as a grower’s paradise.
“There’s a bit of an assumption that not much grows around here, that it’s not hospitable.”
As well as providing consumers a chance to meet with farmers, growers and cattle ranchers, Hamel wanted to give producers the opportunity to market their products directly. She stressed that producers often don’t have enough time, resources and workers to participate in farmer’s markets and other larger events.
Nathan Ryan, owner-operator of Fallentimber Meadery who will be at the tea, said the event allows them to start a honest face-to-face dialogue about their products.
“It’s inspiring for us to see that people come together to take advantage of coming to hear us speaking frankly about the strengths and the challenges of business and food production.
“Marketing dollars only go so far and I think people are becoming a bit distrustful,” Ryan contended.
Once again, organizers will honour the memory of Ellen Buckler, a guest speaker who died in 2011. In an email about the event, “Her life story and advocacy for stewardship in agriculture remains a source of inspiration,” was noted.
The tea will take place Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew’s United Church located at 128 First St. East.
Organizers are asking people to RSVP via email to [email protected].
The event is free but donations are welcome.
