Many farmers are suffering as they cannot sell their goods and produce to local farmers’ markets who are unsure as to when they will reopen for business.

Humber Bay Park residents are among those disappointed and unsure as to when they will receive permission to reopen their brisk stalls to sell a range of foods, produce or hand-made goods.

City officials say they are working with 22-city farmers markets to safely reopen the marketplace when it is safe to do so. Lakeshore Village Park farmers market is also affected.

Many markets are targeting opening dates in July, allowing them time to receive their permits and implement new protocols required by Toronto Public Health.

“Farmers’ markets are valued members of the food supply chain and provide Torontonians with access to fresh fruits and vegetables, encourage residents to get outside and be physically active, and support the local agriculture sector,” says a press release.

The seasonal outdoor areas of the St. Lawrence Market has been reopened and will run until Nov. 14. The outdoor market has been relocated to Market St., between The Esplanade and Wilson St., to allow for physical distancing.

The indoor portion of the St. Lawrence Market has been operating throughout the pandemic.

New guidelines have been set that farmers’ markets will have to follow to reopen safely and includes: all staff and vendors filling out a health-screening questionnaire before each shift, keep a contact list of all staff, vendors and employees, encouraging physical distancing, managing customer lines, visual markers, provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers for customers and masks for staff and customers.