A mobile farmers’ market that aims to connect people with local produce is gaining popularity in Moncton.
Co-owner Frederic Laforge says the idea came to him after he had an ‘aha moment’ at the grocery store.
“I go to the grocery store and there is garlic. The first one is from California, the second one is from China. I’m like, ‘how is this even possible? There is garlic [here].’ Anyways, so that just blows my mind.”
Laforge and a local farmer decided to do something about it and started The Farmers’ Truck, offering fruits and vegetables from about 20 local producers. The truck stops at different locations around Moncton and its schedule and inventory are available online so customers can see where the truck is and what is currently available for purchase.
“Sometimes we get shipments, we will get wild blueberries, one of the producers will come and bring it up to the truck, we will add it to the list, so it fluctuates during the day,” says Laforge.
Christine Desjardins manages the online inventory. She says buying local is better for many reasons.
“It doesn’t travel as long and it’s fresh, and you know where it is from and you can meet the farmers and talk to people, there is interaction,” says Desjardins.
City councillor Dawn Arnold is a loyal customer of The Farmers’ Truck.
“Hiring people, they are supporting local, agricultural, it’s fantastic all around,” says Arnold. “And you know what’s the best part of all? Everything tastes really good. A carrot tastes like it is supposed to taste.”
Laforge says The Farmers’ Truck exceeded their expectations in its first year, and they have more in store for next year.
“I’d love to see the truck be across Canada, the United States even, and you would know if you see the red truck you would see local food wherever you are, so that is kind of the vision,” he says.
The Farmers’ Truck currently visits five locations but Laforge hopes to expand and have the truck operating seven days a week next summer.
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
