Greenhouses, farmers markets deemed essential

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

Good news for gardeners and farm marketers: last week, the province announced that all agricultural businesses are deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Besides traditional farming, essential services include farmers markets, garden centres, greenhouses and nurseries.
The announcement comes as a relief to green thumbs, greenhouse owners and farmers market vendors.
Local greenhouses, including Brassard Greenhouses, A.V.B. Greenhouses and Moore’s Greenhouse, are set to open this year with plenty of stock. Brassard’s is currently open, A.V.B. opens May 9, while Moore’s opens May 8.
Although it may be too early to start planting outside, Brassard Greenhouses owner Valerie Brassard said she has already had customers visit her greenhouse to purchase flowers and vegetable plants.
“People are coming from all over; they’re just antsy and they want to get out of their house and see something so we’re trying to provide that,” said Brassard, who added customers must abide by physical distancing measures. In addition, staff at the greenhouse provide some “rules” to abide by upon entering the greenhouse, including keeping children close, using a one-way aisle system and allowing no more than 15 customers in the greenhouse at any given time.
Calling ahead of visiting any greenhouse or garden centre is recommended to learn about precautions you can take and what rules they have regarding visiting customers. Some greenhouses may also have phone orders and delivery available as well for those who are self-isolating.
“So far, it’s working out really well. For the most part, people are being safe and respectful,” said Brassard. “It’s early for people to come and get stuff but they’re just dying to get out of their homes … people are bored, they need to get out and putter in their garden.”
This is Brassard’s 50th year of starting and selling plants.
At the time of publication, the Strathmore Farmers Market did not respond to requests from the Strathmore Times for information; it is currently unknown what their plans are for the upcoming market season.
One thing that is evident is the need for customers to shop local and support area businesses this year.
“It means a lot for us to be able to open. I hope people try to buy more local this year, it means a lot to Alberta growers,” said Brassard. “A lot are supporting local and people are telling friends and neighbours and that’s great.”