As part of the annual Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 12 to 19, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is inviting British Columbians to submit their original poems to honour our local farmers. Writers of all levels are encouraged to submit their agricultural-themed poems to the third annual Ode to a Farmer Poetry Contest by Sunday, Sept. 13.
The grand prize winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to spend at the BC farmers’ market of their choice. Regional winners will also be chosen and awarded $50 gift certificates. Submissions are being accepted online or by mail.
“Whether it be a haiku, sonnet, or limerick, we are looking for people to use their creativity through words to show their appreciation of local farmers who contribute greatly to our communities, health and well being,” says Georgia Stanley, BCAFM’s communications manager.
“There is a great tradition of writers finding inspiration from the land that is continued through the Ode to a Farmer contest,” says Tamara Leigh, president of the BC Farm Writers’ Association, and contest judge.
“I look forward to seeing how people connect creatively with food and farming, and bring it to life in their poems.”
The BCAFM is a not-for-profit association that represents 125 farmers’ markets across the province and works to support, develop and promote farmers’ markets in all regions of BC. For more information on the BCAFM or to find a farmers’ market near you, see www.bcfarmersmarket.org
