With 4.95 million visits and 3.7 million shoppers annually across 145+ markets in B.C., the economic and community impact of B.C. farmers’ markets is expansive.
In 2023, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) collaborated with University of Northern BC to complete an economic impact study. The highlights note incredible growth in farmers’ market sales and community benefit in comparison to 2012. Annual direct sales at BCAFM member farmers’ markets are listed at $155.3 million with an additional $118.51 million spent at other neighbouring businesses (61% growth from 2012 to 2023). View the 2023 Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study.
The future of food is very much local as consumers increasingly see the value in buying fresh, healthy foods directly from producers in their communities while supporting a sustainable, robust food system.
Many farmers’ markets are looking for new vendors to sell B.C. grown and made food and goods direct to consumers. B.C. farmers markets serve as springboards for local producers and new brands to introduce their products to community and new audiences, while gaining valuable product feedback and connections.
Hatch Your Farm + Food Business Workshop
Good to Grow partners with BCAFM to help local producers find sales success at B.C. farmers’ markets through our Hatch Your Farm + Food Business workshop. Participants learn business planning; research and market analysis; product development; branding, packaging, and labeling; pricing, margins, and distribution; and how to create a winning farmers’ market experience. Stay tuned for more 2024 workshop dates!
Read more:
Five Tips for a Fruitful Farmers’ Market
How To Roadmap Your Business at Hatch Your Farm Food Business Workshop
