AS A TOAST to Earth Day, a new farmers’ market is scheduled to open in the neighbourhood on April 23.

AppleTree Market, a non- profit venture, will be located at 200 Eglinton Ave. W., near Avenue Road.

Along with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, it will offer eco-friendly products and showcase the work of local artisans.

“This will instill a sense of community. People will come together and get to know each other once again,” says Leslie Stoyan, one of the masterminds behind the project.

Stoyan added that during these tough economic times the market will be a boon for local producers.

“Several farms can’t spare the manpower to come out, so retailers are purchasing produce from them, and representing them at the market. Then, the [retailers] will take the unsold goods back to their shops to sell. It’s a really nice fit,” she said.

AppleTree will be open on Thursdays, rain or shine.

Last year, a smaller version of the market was located on the lawn of Eglinton St. George’s Church.