Exploring the potential of local markets in building a more resilient and equitable food future for all
On March 21, 2024, FSC held a conversation to explore how local markets can help create healthier, more connected communities. The conversation included practical insights from Lori Beazer, founder of the Afro Caribbean Farmers’ Market, Justin Cantafio, executive director of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, Kate Johansson, general manager of the Marché public de Pointe-aux-Trembles, and Kristie Beynon, executive director of Direct Farm Manitoba.
Slide presentations
- Justin Cantafio – Slides in English // Diapositives en français
- Kate Johansson – Slides in English // Diapositives en français
- Kristie Beynon – Slides in English // Diapositives en français
Learn more about the panelists
Lori Beazer
Lori Beazer founded the Afro Caribbean Farmers’ Market, the first culturally specific farmers’ market in Canada, located in Toronto’s Little Jamaica. Since its pilot in 2017, she has championed a space that celebrates and supports local black farmers and food entrepreneurs. Encountering initial challenges in finding a permanent location, a fortuitous meeting with City Councillor Josh Matlow in 2020 catalyzed the market’s establishment. Lori’s vision has not only revitalized the community affected by infrastructure projects but also introduced the Callaloo Cash voucher, fostering an inclusive shopping experience. Her initiative underlines the importance of cultural identity and community resilience in urban agriculture, making a significant impact on promoting diversity and sustainability in the local food system.
Kate Johansson
Kate Johansson has been the general manager of the Marché public de Pointe-aux-Trembles in Montreal since 2022 and has served as a board member of the Association des marchés publics du Québec (Quebec Public Markets Association) since 2023. Her professional background is in sommelier work and the gastronomic scene. After having studied at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), her career has taken her to France, Toronto, and Dubai. The emphasis she places on promoting local producers and artisans, all within a festive and welcoming atmosphere, is the guiding principle of her approach.
Justin Cantafio
A 2023 Nuffield Scholar, Justin lives and breathes farmers’ markets and local food systems. He presently serves as the Executive Director of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, a non-profit cooperative of over 40 farmer’s markets. He is the Co-founder and President of Canadian Farmers’ Markets, Canada’s national farmers’ market association and a founding member of the World Farmers’ Markets Coalition. Justin also serves as the Chair of the Centre for Local Prosperity, a charitable organisation specialising in relocalisation, and is a Director with the Halifax Regional Food Hub.
When he’s not crafting up ideas to re-localize our economy and promote local businesses, you might find Justin running in the woods, cooking up big hearty meals with friends, or relaxing at his off-grid cabin by the sea.
Kristie Beynon
Kristie Beynon is the Executive Director of Direct Farm Manitoba (DFMB), a non-profit cooperative supporting Manitoba farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer producers. Kristie developed DFMB’s Manitoba Community Food Currency Program, a sector building initiative that connects food insecure households across Manitoba with fresh, farm food at their local farmers’ market. In addition to her work with farmers’ markets and farmers, Kristie was a member of the Provincial Government Relations team for Farmers’ for Climate Solutions, and also sits on the board of Canadian Farmers’ Markets.
