Riverdale Farmers' Market to shut down

It's curtains for one of Toronto's longest running produce stands. The Riverdale Farmers' Market will not be back this spring despite a 14 year run. A number of problems have been cited as the culprit, including increase competition, poor weather, and mismanagement from the city.

When it opened in 2001, Riverdale was the city's first organic farmers' market, and at its height it proved a significant draw for local residents and those after a more authentic food-buying experience. Led by Elizabeth Harris, the Star reports that 30 vendors participated in its heyday.

That number dropped when Harris fell ill and management of the market was eventually tasked to the city-run Riverdale Farm. For her part, Carol Guy, supervisor of the farm, claims that terrible weather and the rise of other farmers' markets across the city were what ultimately led to the demise of Riverdale.

Does this mean Toronto has hit the saturation point for farmers' markets. If more closures ensue, that would seem to be case.

Photo by Kyle Burton

by Derek Flack via blogTO