(Wolfville, NS) -- The Wolfville Farmers' Market has found a permanent indoor home courtesy of a recently-signed memorandum of understanding with Acadia University. The agreement was officially announced during its Yule Celebration market on December 19 in the Acadia Students' Union Building.

"This agreement allows the Wolfville Farmers' Market and its vendors to sustainably grow their year-round operations," said Angela Patterson, President of the Wolfville Farmers' Market.

"It also allows Acadia to repurpose an old building to support local producers, chefs, and artisans, and to offer the community a special gathering place," said Ray Ivany, President of Acadia University.

He added that Acadia shares the vision of the Wolfville Farmers' Market, which is to better the health and vibrancy of local communities.

The Wolfville's Farmers' Market began in 1992 with three vendors and now boasts more than 60. Over the years, it has operated at various locations in Wolfville, primarily at the Robie Tufts Nature Centre or indoors at the Acadia Students' Union Building. Its new home will be a portion of Acadia's DeWolfe Building, which currently serves as a large warehouse for the university.

The building will provide shelter and allow the market to install permanent booths for 65 vendors indoors with room for expansion outside in the summer months, which would allow the market to become a permanent fixture in the community.

"This is a huge step forward for our small community," said Patterson. "It shows just how much can be accomplished when a community works together to fulfill a common goal."

In the coming months, the market's executive will work with Acadia's administration to finalize the details of the leasing arrangement. Right now, Acadia has committed to providing an environmental assessment of the space and has offered to lease the location at no cost for 20 years. The Farmers' Market will manage its operations independent of Acadia and will be responsible for leasehold improvement and utility costs.

"We'll begin fundraising in the New Year, so we can create the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere that our dedicated patrons have come to expect from their market shopping experience," Patterson explained.

The Wolfville Farmers' Market is expected to open its DeWolfe doors in the winter of 2010.

About the Wolfville Farmers' Market

The Wolfville Farmers' Market is a cooperative organization that started in 1992 with three vendors and now boasts over 60 vendors year-round. Its vision is to better the health and vibrancy of our communities. Its mission is to provide a fair and direct market venue for locally-produced goods and services in an environment that inspires and nourishes community. For more information, visit http://wolfvillefarmersmarket.com/

About Acadia University

Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives, small classes, and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. For more information about Acadia, visit our website at http://www.acadiau.ca/

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 Media contacts:

Kelly Marie Redcliffe

Manager, Wolfville Farmers' Market

902.678.8568

kmredcliffe@ns.sympatico.ca

www.wolfvillefarmersmarket.com

Sherri Turner

Public Affairs Officer, Acadia University

902.585.1362

902.698.2977

sherri.turner@acadiau.ca

www.acadiau.ca