British Columbia Farmers' Markets Bolster Economy

Direct sales at British Columbia’s farmers’ markets were $155 million in 2023 and contributed $233 million in overall economic impact for the area, according to research from the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) and the University of Northern British Columbia. 

The research, conducted last summer, studied the economic impacts of farmers’ markets in BC by surveying 11,800 people and conducting in-depth interviews with market visitors and local businesses.

 “In addition to an increase in the amount spent per shopper…in 2023 we had more markets open than ever before, on more days of the week, with an increased number of vendors,” said Heather O’Hara, executive director at BCAFM. 

The study also revealed that market visitors contributed to the economic growth of local businesses in the neighborhoods adjacent to the farmers’ market location. For many, shopping at the farmers’ market was their primary motivation for visiting the area. The increase in traffic accounted for an additional $119 million in direct sales at neighboring local businesses. 

Business owners reported a substantial increase in benefits, with 87 percent indicating that their nearby farmers’ market had a positive impact on their operations.

Key findings from the study include:

• Economic Benefits: A typical-sized farmers' market in BC, with an average of 40 vendor stalls, adds over $6.7 million per year to its local economy; each bigger market can show economic impacts exceeding $12 million annually.

• Market Size Matters: Bigger markets with more space for more vendors contribute to higher direct sales, bigger market crowds, and increased revenues at other local neighboring businesses.

• Tourism Destinations: Farmers’ markets are a growing driver of tourism in both urban and rural areas; tourists and day-trippers reported being drawn to the area by the farmers’ market but going on to spend $63.89 on average per shopper per day at local, neighboring businesses.

“Farmers’ markets continue to connect people to BC food and farms across the province,” said O’Hara in a statement. “The contributions of BC farmers’ markets are incredible. From small business incubators to tourism destinations, community gathering spaces, and sustaining local food systems–farmers’ markets do it all.”