2023 BC Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study
SUMMARY
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), in collaboration with Dr. David Connell of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), completed a large, province-wide study in 2023 to measure the economic impact of farmers markets in BC. The results of this project show that farmers markets in BC have grown over the past decade, despite unprecedented social, political, and economic challenges, including the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Quantifying the economic contributions of farmers markets encourages long-term support for local BC agriculture and food sectors, along with the thousands of farm and food businesses who sell at farmers markets across BC. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the role of farmers markets as integral low-barrier, direct sales channels for local BC producers and shoppers to connect, while showing us their essential role in local food security and food systems.
The 2023 BC Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study builds upon the success of similar projects completed in 2012 and 2006, which were also led by BCAFM and Dr. David Connell. By using comparable methods, we are able to assess changes over time. This study measures market spending and spending at neighbouring local businesses, both of which contribute to the economic impact of farmers markets in BC. In total, 70 farmers market assessments were completed across the province between May and September, 2023. The provincial economic impact assessment includes both assessed and unassessed BCAFM member markets . Survey results represent participating markets where an assessment was conducted by a trained research associate.
2023 PROVINCIAL STUDY HIGHLIGHTS
- Annual economic impact of BCAFM member markets: $232.9 million
- 28% growth from 2012 to 2023
- 4.95 million visits and 3.7 million shoppers annually
- Annual direct sales at BCAFM member farmers markets: $155.3 million
- Average shopper spending per market visit: $42.50
- 17% of study participants self-identified as tourists or day-trippers
- Shopper spending at other local, neighbouring businesses: $118.51 million
- 61% growth from 2012 to 2023
- 80% of study participants said that they would spend $47.17 shopping or eating at other local, neighbouring businesses in the farmers market area
- 87% of businesses interviewed report that their neighbourhood BCAFM member farmers market has a positive effect on their business
The overall growth of BCAFM’s economic impact can be attributed to an increase in:
- Number of BCAFM member farmers markets
- Number of large markets with more vendors
- Number of people shopping at farmers markets
- Number of market operating days
2023 BC FARMERS’ MARKET ECONOMIC IMPACT SNAPSHOT
2023 BC FARMERS’ MARKET ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY REPORTS
Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market
Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market
Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market
Campbell River Farmers’ Market
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Wednesday
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Saturday & Fall-Winter
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market – Sundays
Creston Valley Farmers’ Market
Downtown Vancouver Farmers’ Market
Downtown Salmon Arm Farmers’ Market
Gabriola Agri Co-op Saturday Farmers’ Market
Kamloops Regional Farmer’s Market Saturday & Winter
Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market Wednesday
Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Downtown Market
Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market – Summer
Kweltsetken Farmers’ & Artisan Market
Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market
Nelson Farmers’ Market Saturday
Nelson Farmers’ Market Wednesday
New Westminster Farmers’ Market
Pender Island Farmers’ Market Saturday
Pender Island Farmers’ Market Wednesday
Port Coquitlam Farmers’ Market
Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
Revelstoke LFI + Farm & Craft Market
Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
METHOD
The study was centered on completing market assessments across the province. The one-day, on-site assessment was based on the method used successfully in markets throughout British Columbia previously completed in 2006 and 2012. By using the same methods, we were able to compare results with these previous studies.
Dot survey: The flip-chart survey method engages consumers in friendly interaction through multiple-choice questions posted in large print on flip charts. This approach has a high response rate, thereby increasing validity and accuracy. Five questions were asked.
Crowd count: During a short period (e.g., 10 minutes) during each hour a market is open, members of the assessment team stood at each of the major entry points to the market and counted people entering. The total number of attendees is then estimated from these systematic counts. This estimate is then used to calculate a seasonally-adjusted annual crowd count.
Customer survey: The customer survey is a more detailed, one-on-one survey with market customers. These interviews provided insight to customer shopping preferences and behaviours.
Business surveys: The assessment also involves surveys of business owners. The data collected included information about the importance of the farmers’ market to nearby businesses.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The project was carried out by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets in collaboration with Dr. David Connell, a professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Financial assistance was provided by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
CONTACT
If you have any questions about the 2023 BC Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study, please contact BCAFM office at info@bcfarmersmarket.org.
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