December 17, 2020 | FMNS statement regarding new regional restrictions
Note: The regional restrictions outlined below are no longer in effect as of January 4, 2021. For the most recent farmers’ market sector-specific COVID-19 prevention plan, please click here.
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Nova Scotia’s farmers’ markets are essential infrastructure providing essential services to Nova Scotians in communities across the province. Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia (FMNS) wishes to stress that farmers’ markets can continue to safely operate public markets in Nova Scotia, including those that operate in the specific regions of Halifax and Hants in which new restrictions came into effect on November 26, 2020.
FMNS wishes to reaffirm that all farmers’ markets in Nova Scotia are still allowed and are very much encouraged to operate public markets, retail stores, and online marketplaces. FMNS is the Nova Scotia’s farmers’ market sector association and we meet regularly with government officials to ensure our sector meets or exceeds all provincial health and safety protocols. We’ve been constantly updating our sector-specific COVID-19 prevention plan. You can view the most recent version by clicking here.
Farmers’ markets that are found in the specific regions of the Halifax Regional Municipal and Hants County in which additional restrictions came into effect have one additional important rule to follow. These restrictions are in effect as of Thursday, November 26 and are now in place until at least January 10, 2021:
- Sit-down dining is not allowed anywhere on a farmers’ market’s premises.
- Food and drink may still be sold so long as it is on a “to-go” basis only.
Farmers’ markets that aren’t located in these specific regions can continue to operate by following FMNS’ most recent sector-specific COVID-19 prevention plan. Farmers’ markets that do fall into these regions should follow the plan but must additionally adhere to the two points above until at least January 10, 2021.
During these difficult times, our farmers’ markets and their vendors have always risen to the occasion, constantly adapting their business models to continue safely serving Nova Scotians, ensuring vendors can continue selling their products and supporting their community. Our farmers’ markets are not only supporting local businesses; they are safely addressing the current fragility of Nova Scotia’s food system, keeping jobs alive, and providing food and necessities to Nova Scotians. They will continue to do so as essential infrastructure in this province.
To find out which farmers’ markets are operating in your region, please view our interactive farmers’ market map by clicking here.
