By Cecilia Nasmith
The Cobourg Farmer's Market is evolving in response to potential consumers who were left out because they have no access to the internet.
Councillor Adam Bureau shared the story with council this week, starting with the May 23 opening in the parking lot beside the Albert Street transit terminal.
It was online-sales only, with the parking lot set up for a drive-through pick-up of the pre-orders with 11 food-only vendors present.
The challenges were obvious, such as certain consumers being shut out and potential customers showing up expecting more of a traditional farmer's-market experience.
On May 30, more people seemed to understand the on-line format, though some continued to arrive on foot instead of driving in. Twelve vendors were present, he said - “but they felt that, without on-site shopping, in the future they might not be able to sell enough to continue.”
On June 6, there was both on-site and on-line shopping. Bureau said that all involved were respectful of social-distancing requirements.
“I know the market is evolving, and there were a lot of complaints because of it being on-line,” he said. “But we are moving forward, and it's looking good.”
