About Us
Our Vision
A resilient local food network that values people and the land.
Our Mission
We create vibrant and welcoming markets that build community, feed people, and support small farms and producers.
Established in 1995 as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Vancouver Farmers Markets has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant farmers market organizations in Canada. We host nine weekly markets, and in 2023 served nearly 669,000 customers and facilitated over $15.8 million in sales for local farmers and producers, a nearly 11.5% increase over sales in 2022.
We are honoured to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓ íl̓ witulh (TsleilWaututh) Nations, and we are committed to promoting sustainable food production and supporting our community’s economic growth.
We operate year-round, with seven weekly summer markets and two weekly winter markets in neighbourhoods across Vancouver. Our farmers and vendors offer an extensive array of fresh produce including fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, sustainable seafood, artisanal food products, crafts, wild-harvested foods, hot foods, craft beer, spirits, coffee and beverages.
We are committed to giving back to our community by helping lower-income families, refugees and seniors access fresh and healthy food from our vendors through our Fresh to Families Program.
In addition to offering fresh, delicious food directly from local producers, in 2023 Vancouver Farmers Markets contributed over $23.7 million in direct and indirect benefits to the local and regional economy. Our markets supported 276 food vendors, 90 (32.6%) of whom were primary producers like farmers, ranchers, fishers and wild harvesters.
As part of a global movement that aims to reconnect people with the land and those who grow their food, Vancouver Farmers Markets provides a unique opportunity to meet and engage with local farmers and artisans who grow and produce the foods we love.
Our Ecosystem
Vancouver Farmers Markets is a member of BC Association of Farmers Markets and is grateful for the support received from BCAFM for developing and strengthening the capacity of farmers markets through training, promotion, education, research and advocacy.
Vancouver Farmers Markets is proud to have signed on to the 10 urgent actions of the BC Climate Emergency Campaign. You can add your organization to the growing list of 575 signatories and join the call for a real climate emergency plan in British Columbia. Sign on here!
Vancouver Farmers Markets is proud to be a 1% For the Planet nonprofit organization. 1% for the Planet represents a global network of businesses, individuals and environmental organizations tackling our planet’s most pressing environmental issues.
VFM is honoured to participate in the Vancouver Food Policy Council, an innovative collaboration between citizens and Vancouver’s civic government. It provides a forum for advocacy and policy development that works towards the creation of a local food system that is ecologically sustainable, economically viable and socially just.
Vancouver Farmers Markets partners with the Circular Food Innovation Lab, a project co-led by the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Economic Commission Economic Transformation Lab, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and 18 Vancouverbased businesses and organizations working in the local food system.
Vancouver Farmers Markets has joined Project For Public Spaces’ new Market Cities Network. The Market Cities Network is the first international forum for markets of all kinds and the people committed to their success. This initiative brings together leading market advocates—including operators, NGOs, funders, researchers, and more—from around the world to create stronger and more resilient communities.
