The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is inviting British Columbians to submit their original poems to honour B.C.’s local farmers.
In celebration of Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 12 to 18, writers of all levels are encouraged to submit their farm-themed poems to the fourth annual Ode To a Farmer Poetry Contest by midnight, Sunday, September 18.
The grand prize winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to spend at the B.C. farmers’ market of their choice. Regional winners from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern British Columbia, Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, and Vancouver Island will also be chosen and awarded $50 gift certificates. Submissions are being accepted online, by email, and by mail.
"It’s such a pleasure reading poetry from across British Columbia that connects to the land, and to farmers and food,” says Renee Sarojini Saklikar, Surrey’s poet laureate and returning judge. “I always learn something new and am delighted to see so many entries.”
“Last year we received a record 120 submissions of farm- and food-inspired poems and we are hoping to exceed that again this year,” said Georgia Stanley, BCAFM’s communications manager. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to consider the immense skill, time and dedication that goes into growing that fresh food we all value. It’s challenging work and worth celebrating everyone involved.”
Along with the Ode To a Farmer poetry contest, the public can enjoy various activities in celebration of Farmers Appreciation Week that highlight B.C. farmers and local food. Visit markets.bcfarmersmarket.org to find a farmers’ market near you and join the celebrations.
For more info, including how to enter the poetry contest, go to bcfarmersmarket.org/fresh-market/farmers-appreciation-week-2016.