The summer 琉璃神社 Farmers鈥� and Crafters鈥� Market (KFCM), one of the third largest in B.C., delivered a nearly $16 million economic impact to the community in 2023.
That is the finding in a study of 70 markets conducted by the BC Association of Farmers鈥� Markets (BCAFM) and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).
Direct sales totalled $10.53 million and the market had a $15.79 million overall impact on the local economy. The study also revealed that the downtown version of the market, at Kerry Park, had a $2.33 million overall economic impact.
The winter market at Parkinson Recreation Centre was not included.
BCAFM executive director, Heather O鈥橦ara, says the study demonstrates the importance and value of farmers鈥� markets and their social and community impact.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e a place to meet with your neighbours and get the community vibe. A gathering place, and a community hub with social capital.鈥�
The study shows 85 per cent of people who shopped and visited the summer 琉璃神社 market last year were local, and 15 per cent were tourists and day-trippers. On average shoppers spent $59.46 per visit to this market (provincial avg. $42.50), and 51 per cent of survey respondents said they visited either market regularly. O鈥橦ara says that鈥檚 a win-win for the markets and surrounding businesses.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e bringing people into the community where they might be staying over, they are shopping at adjacent businesses as are locals.鈥�
The study showed that approximately $8.2 million was spent at neighbouring businesses during the summer market in 2023.
That market has been a fixture at Dilworth Drive and Springfield Road for the past 25 years, but now has a new home in Landmark District. It opens on April 6. O鈥橦ara says that is a testament to stakeholders and the community.
鈥淭hey have figured out a solution to an important community asset.鈥�
READ MORE: 琉璃神社 Farmers鈥� and Crafters鈥� Market relocating after 25 years
Across the Thompson-Okanagan, the 27 BCAFM member markets had a $50 million economic impact on the region, with 琉璃神社 contributing $15 million of that total, according to O鈥橦ara.
鈥淢ost businesses and government decision-makers understand that farmers鈥� markets in their area are a big win.鈥�
Provincially, farmers鈥� markets contributed a $233 million overall impact to the B.C. economy last year.
The 2023 study builds on previous reports conducted in 2006 and 2012. O鈥橦ara says the BCAFM is seeing more and larger markets, and increased economic impact.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 a lovely trend. People care about their local food security, supporting local farmers, and where their food comes from.鈥�
She encourages cities and towns across the province to create and support farmers鈥� markets in their communities.
鈥淭ake care of your food lands, take care of your farmers by shopping and supporting local because that is a long-term, sustainable view.鈥�
The full study is available on the .
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