Announcing Our 2026 Board of Directors
On June 6, Vancouver Farmers Markets members gathered for our 2026 Annual General Meeting and Community Forum.
At this year’s AGM, alongside the formal business of the Society and the announcement of board election results, we created space for community conversations about the future of Vancouver Farmers Markets and the role farmers markets play within Vancouver’s local food system.
Through table discussions with Board members, vendors, members, and community supporters shared perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our organization and explored priorities that should guide our work over the next several years. These conversations will help inform strategic planning later this year.
Here are some candid shots from the AGM, captured by none other than our board member, Jeremy Dyson. Jeremy often graciously steps in at VFM events to take incredible photos while also fulfilling his board responsibilities. Thank you, Jeremy, for helping us document these special moments!
Welcoming the New Board Members
We are excited to welcome two new board members and one returning member for their second term.
Sarah Mackenzie
Sarah Mackenzie is a dedicated food systems advocate in both professional and personal life. Having connected with farmers markets as a lifelong shopper, a former farmer-vendor in the Sea to Sky corridor, Sarah is now a weekly shopper at the Vancouver Farmers Markets.
Sarah is currently working as the Education and Curriculum Manager for Canadian Organic Growers, supporting farmers and farm-advisors through education, resource development, and program/extension event planning. Over the past five years in the non-profit sector, Sarah has worked closely with boards and staff teams on governance, strategic planning and policy engagement.
Before joining COG, Sarah was a vegetable farmer in Pemberton and sold at weekly markets in Pemberton, Squamish, and Whistler. Upon returning to the city, Sarah worked with Sole Food Street Farms, deepening connection to the local food system and the urban context of growing/selling produce.
Stephanie Hollingshead
A long-time Vancouver resident, non-profit board director, and supporter of local food systems. As a neighbour to the Trout Lake farmers market, Stephanie has been a regular shopper there for 20 years and values the markets not only for access to fresh, local food, but for the role they play in building community and supporting small-scale producers. Stephanie loves to cook and take pride in meals sourced entirely from local farms.
Professionally, Stephanie brings over 25 years of leadership experience in human resources and governance, most recently as CEO of TAP Network and previously as Vice President, Human Resources at Sierra Systems. Having served as Board Chair for both Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver and The Cultch, specifically in leading governance improvements including compensation policy, succession planning, and strengthening board practices, Stephanie is a collaborative, hands-on leader who contributes at both a strategic and operational level. In 2021, the BC Business Women of the Year Award in the Community Builder category was awarded to Stephanie.
Geneviève Blanchet
Geneviève was born and raised in the eastern country side of Québec surrounded by maple trees, apple orchards and vegetable gardens. At an early age, she was introduced to foraging wild plants and harvesting fruits and vegetables from her family’s land. Through this experience, her passion for food was born. In different capacities, much of her life has been spent around food; she is a registered holistic nutritionist, recipe developer and owner of Le Meadow’s Pantry, handcrafted preserves inspired by the season and award winning marmalades. Geneviève has been a vendor at the Vancouver Farmers Market for almost 10 years; she understands the importance of community and is dedicated to making strong connections between farmers, small business owners and VFM.
We would like to thank all members who participated in this year’s election process and everyone who attended the AGM and Community Forum. Strong governance depends on active participation, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Gratitude to our Outgoing Board Members
We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Board members whose service, expertise, and dedication have helped guide the organization through another year of supporting local farmers, food producers, and communities across Vancouver. You all have done so much for this organization, and wishing you the best in your next chapters:
- Beth Shelton
- Lisa Lam
As we look ahead, our Board and staff remain committed to strengthening farmers markets as essential community infrastructure, supporting local farms and food businesses, improving access to local food, and creating welcoming market spaces where people can connect with one another and with the food they eat.
We look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead. Thank you for being part of the Vancouver Farmers Markets community.
