Thank you for recognizing and supporting our market! We are thrilled to announce that the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market (QBFM) has received nominations for several awards in the 2025 BC Farmers’ Market Awards.
Nominations were open to the public in November and December, and we are excited to share that our market, several vendors, our market manager, and a dedicated volunteer have all been nominated. A panel of BC farmers’ market collaborators will evaluate the longlist nominees to select the top three finalists in each category. The shortlist announcement is just a few weeks away!
Award winners will be revealed at the BC Farmers’ Market Awards Ceremony during the 2026 BC Farmers’ Markets Conference on March 7, 2026.
Congratulations to All Nominees!
Being nominated is an achievement in itself, and we are honoured to be recognized alongside so many dedicated individuals and markets for our contributions. Here are the nominations received by our market:
Most Outstanding Community Impact – Farmers’ Markets
Recognizing outstanding farmers’ markets that connect local food, farmers, and artisan vendors to consumers through fresh and prepared foods and artisan products. We were honoured to receive this award in 2023.
Small Farmers’ Markets Nominees:
- Comox Valley Farmers’ Market – Wednesday
- Pitt Meadows Farmers’ Market
- Davis Bay Farmers’ Market
Medium Farmers’ Markets Nominees:
- Gabriola Agricultural Co-op Farmers’ Market
- Kitsilano Farmers’ Market
- Haney Farmers’ Market
- Comox Valley Farmers’ Market – Saturday
- Creston Valley Farmers’ Market
- Williams Lake Farmers’ Market
- New West Farmers’ Market
- Mission City Farmers’ Market
- South Cariboo Farmers’ Market
Large Farmers’ Markets Nominees:
- Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
- Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters Market
- White Rock Farmers’ Market
- Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market
- Penticton Farmers’ Market
- Cedar Farmers’ Market
- Coquitlam Farmers’ Market
Most Outstanding Community Impact – Market Manager
Recognizing an outstanding farmers’ market manager for their accomplishments in their role.
Nominees:
- Megan Verge – Squamish Farmers’ Market
- Kristin Chilvers – Coquitlam Farmers’ Market
- Launie Elves – Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
- Juhli Jobi – Powell River Farmers’ Market
- Sharor Ferrer – Pitt Meadows Farmers’ Market
- Sparta Humphreys – Kimberley Farmers’ Market
- Twila Skinner – Comox Valley Farmers’ Markets
- Emily Gaudette – New West Farmers’ Market
- Greg Unger – Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market
- Patti Oldfield – White Rock Farmers’ Market
- Francis Callaghan – Vernon & Kelowna Farmers’ Markets
- Gracy Hardy – Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market
- Allison Schossler – Nelson Farmers’ Market
- Heather Balaam – South Cariboo Farmers’ Market
- Meghan Railton – Southlands Farmers’ Market
Most Outstanding Community Impact – Farm Vendor
Recognizing an outstanding farm vendor for their accomplishments at farmers’ markets.
Nominees:
- Zelaney Farms
- Urban Farm
- Matriarch Meats
- Fierce Love Farm
- Corlan Vineyard & Farm
- Patty’s Greenhouse
- Coastal Sun
- Four Elements Farm
- Seabreeze Acres
- Sunshine Meadow Farms
- Abernathy Acres
Most Outstanding Community Impact – Non-Farm Vendor
Recognizing an outstanding non-farm vendor for their contributions to farmers’ markets.
Nominees:
- Lok Yee Bakery
- Fermented Future Farms
- Hemp Hemp Hurray
- Angkor Harvest
- Trena in the Kitchen
- Lizzi Bear Living
- Mila Earth Bodycare
- Crumb & Get It
- Spread ‘Em Kitchen
- West Coast Gluten Free
Volunteer of the Year
Recognizing an outstanding individual for their volunteer work with a BC Farmers’ Markets member market.
Nominees:
- Laraine Sim
- Rik Elves – QBFM
- Shannon Skrapec
Thank you for your continued support, and congratulations to all the nominees! Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together to make our market even better!
