The $18 Million Economic Engine Vancouver Doesn’t Realize It’s Risking
Over the past week, conversations about Vancouver Farmers Markets have been appearing across local media, with coverage appearing on CBC Vancouver, CityNews Vancouver, Daily Hive and CBC On the Coast Show. While each story explored our work from a different angle, they all pointed to the same question:
What exactly is Vancouver Farmers Markets?
For many people, the answer comes as a surprise.
Every week, rain or shine, thousands of people visit one of our nine neighbourhood farmers markets. They shop for local food, connect with farmers, meet neighbours, and enjoy vibrant public spaces. Because markets have become such a familiar part of city life, many assume they are operated or funded by the City of Vancouver.
But, surprise, surprise! They’re not.
Vancouver Farmers Markets is an independent, registered non-profit organization that has been creating vibrant, welcoming farmers markets for more than 30 years. We don’t receive ongoing structural funding from the City and instead rely on earned revenue, community support, grants, sponsorships, memberships and donations to operate our markets and community programs. At the same time, we pay nearly $30,000 each year in municipal fees and navigate a complex permitting process to bring markets to life.
Despite those challenges, the impact of our work continues to grow.
In 2025 alone, Vancouver Farmers Markets facilitated more than $18 million in direct sales for local farms and small businesses, welcomed 675,000 visits across nine neighbourhood markets, supported 264 local businesses, and $350,000 of fresh, local food was accessed by households experiencing food insecurity, while 100% of this amount circulated through our markets to local farms & businesses via the food access programs.
These numbers represent farmers markets building viable businesses. Families accessing fresh local food with dignity. Buskers getting a platform to showcase their talent and bringing energy to public spaces. Volunteers strengthening neighbourhood connections. Newcomers finding community. Small businesses growing one market day at a time.
Together, these activities form an interconnected system that supports Vancouver’s economy, food security, climate resilience and community wellbeing.
That is why, in the lead-up to this fall’s municipal election, we’re beginning a broader conversation around one simple idea:
Farmers Markets are Infrastructure.
When we think about infrastructure, we often think about roads, or buildings. But infrastructure also includes the systems that help communities function and thrive.
Every week, for the last 30+ years, Vancouver Farmers Markets have strengthened local food systems, created opportunities for small businesses, supported regional agriculture, activated public spaces and brought neighbours together. They contribute to healthier communities while helping build a more resilient local economy.
We believe that role deserves greater recognition.
As Vancouver plans for its future in October, we’d like to see farmers markets considered as part of the city’s long-term vision. Not as temporary events that return each year, but as essential civic infrastructure that benefits everyone.
Because making space for markets isn’t just about making room for tents. It’s about making room for local farmers, independent businesses, community connection, food security, climate resilience, and a healthier city for generations to come.
As municipal candidates begin sharing their visions for Vancouver this fall, we hope you’ll ask an important question:
How will the City help make space for farmers markets? Will your candidate:
- Support more consistent market spaces,
- Establish long-term collaboration with market operators, and
- Recognise farmers markets as an essential part of Vancouver’s food system.
Your voice can help shape the future of local food in our city.
