Nova Scotia farmers’ markets draft proposal to ban generative AI usage

The organization that represents 40 farmers markets in Nova Scotia has drafted a policy that would prohibit the use of generative AI in any artwork or promotional materials, and it's asking its members for feedback. At the Alderney Landing Farmers Market on Saturday, vendors had varying opinions about the proposed policy. It gives me happy butterfly feelings in my stomach that someone's actually looking into this and taking it seriously because it is something I feel strongly about. I get a little bit nervous when I think about the idea of regulating. If there were products around me that were AI generated, I don't think I would be intimidated by that. Josie Chow uses AI for promotional materials as well as a translation tool. She says she will adapt if AI is prohibited, but that the tool allows her to serve the community faster and more effectively. Yes, sometimes I use AI to revise my post because my business name is East Meets West. So I didn't know the local culture, so this time I will use AI. In a social media post, Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia says the goal of the policy is to address the growing usage of generative AI in its markets. Market shoppers say that even knowing something was made with AI can influence their decisions. When you're coming to a farmers' market, you're not looking for AI. You're looking for something that was done with care and love. Yeah, if I knew I would not buy, I would buy someplace else. I'm scared of it as a writer and yeah it just I want commerce with people. Well there's a place and time for AI. Certain situations may deem that AI can be worthwhile but I think in general if you want to support local artisans I think you have to just go to the source and let the creativity come out of it. If I have a lot of options I'd rather support you know like someone making something handcrafted. Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia has shared the draft policy on its social media pages for the public to weigh in. The organization says it will continue to consult with members of its cooperative on the best way to handle generative AI in farmers markets. Colin North, CBC News, Dartmouth.