Yearly increases in vendor costs for the Vernon Farmers Market are upsetting residents.

Vernon's Eric Clarke is one such resident who is voicing his frustration, after a recent approval of a five per cent increase in Parks and Recreation Services fees, which will further increase costs for farmers market vendors. 

"Our farmer's market serves as a vital hub for fresh, locally grown produce and helps to foster a sense of community while supporting local agriculture," Clarke said.

Among the many benefits the market has is economic support for local farmers, access to fresh and healthy food and environmental benefits.

"The proposed increase in fees for participating farmers threaten these benefits," said Clarke. "Many small-scale farmers operate on thin margins, and additional costs can be prohibitive, potentially forcing them to withdraw from the market."

Costs for rental fees for a stall at the Farmers Market in 2022 was around $4,000. 

"That was fine as we were able to do around 55 markets," said Rachelle Zelaney, market president and owner of Zelaney Farms, last year. 

In 2023, those costs nearly tripled, to $11,700. Still, Zelaney found the costs "reasonable," as it was a fair amount for what the vendors receive for an hourly rental.

However, for 2024 and until 2033, the costs will escalate year-by-year, reaching a whopping $30,000 by 2033. The city had asked the market to commit to a 10-year lease with cost escalation.

"Because we鈥檝e had to increase those rates, a lot of businesses have chosen to vend elsewhere because they can find other farmers markets locally for cheaper," Zelaney added. "We鈥檙e a nonprofit organization and I don鈥檛 think that we are being treated in a way that says the city values our place in the community.鈥�

Clarke is urging city council to consider the broader implications that the fee increases will have on local farmers in the community. 

"I recommend exploring alternative funding mechanisms that do not disproportionately impact our farmers," Clarke said. "Possible solutions could include seeking grants, sponsorships, or community partnerships to support the market's operations."

The Morning Star reached out to the City of Vernon regarding the fee increases, but the city would not specifically comment on them.