Press Release
Farmers’ Markets Canada (FMC) unveiled the results of the National Farmers’ Market Impact Study 2009 Report at its first annual conference and general meeting held Feb. 16-17 in
St. Catharines, Ont.
Farmers’ markets from every province participated in the survey, which is the most comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted in North America.
The 2008 study examined 508 markets and confirmed the economic force farmers’ markets have become in the Canadian economy and their hosting communities.
The markets play a key role in selling agricultural products with estimated sales of $1.03 billion, and an economic impact range of $1.55-$3.09 billion annually.
That is the purchasing power of roughly 28 million shopper-visits who spent an average of $32 per visit.
The popularity of farmers’ markets as a “community shopping experience” has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years as consumers seek out an array of food and non-food items, as well as the opportunity to interact with local farmers.
The study confirmed consumer demand and interest is closely aligned with support for local farmers and fresh, healthy food choices.
“The success of farmers’ markets can be attributed to a number of factors,” noted FMC chairman Robert Chorney. “Consumers have expressed a clear desire to return to healthier, fresher, locally-produced products. They have a strong belief in the integrity of shopping within their community.
“And, over 60 percent of shoppers indicated that buying their food directly from a local farmer is extremely important to them.”
By helping themselves, consumers also are helping Canadian producers. The study showed farmers’ markets play a significant role in generating farm incomes as 42 percent of vendors said they achieve more than half of their farm income from market sales.
Furthermore, greater than half of vendors created up to five jobs as a result of their market participation.
“We are reaching a point where we need more farmer producers and vendors to serve the growing demand for farmers’ markets,” said Chorney. “We are constantly recruiting new vendors and helping communities open new markets.”
The mission of the FMC is to promote farmers’ markets and develop national initiatives and partnerships to further the viability, growth, and prosperity of the Canadian farmers’ market industry.
Alex Atamanenko, NDP MP for BC Southern Interior, who serves as the party’s agricultural, agri-food and rural affairs critic, gave opening remarks for the FMC conference.
Atamanenko has long been an advocate of the farmers’ markets movement.
This was followed by the results of the National Farmers’ Market Impact Study, which were presented by Lauree and Doug Vallery of Experience Renewal Solutions Inc. in Toronto.
The study was funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food program—a five-year, $240-million program aimed at positioning Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector at the leading edge to seize new opportunities.
