The summer Kelowna Farmers含羞草研究社� and Crafters含羞草研究社� 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含羞草研究社� 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含羞草研究社橦ara, says the study demonstrates the importance and value of farmers含羞草研究社� markets and their social and community impact.

含羞草研究社淭hey含羞草研究社檙e a place to meet with your neighbours and get the community vibe. A gathering place, and a community hub with social capital.含羞草研究社�

The study shows 85 per cent of people who shopped and visited the summer Kelowna 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含羞草研究社橦ara says that含羞草研究社檚 a win-win for the markets and surrounding businesses.

含羞草研究社淵ou含羞草研究社檙e bringing people into the community where they might be staying over, they are shopping at adjacent businesses as are locals.含羞草研究社�

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含羞草研究社橦ara says that is a testament to stakeholders and the community.

含羞草研究社淭hey have figured out a solution to an important community asset.含羞草研究社�

READ MORE: Kelowna Farmers含羞草研究社� and Crafters含羞草研究社� Market relocating after 25 years

Across the Thompson-Okanagan, the 27 BCAFM member markets had a $50 million economic impact on the region, with Kelowna contributing $15 million of that total, according to O含羞草研究社橦ara.

含羞草研究社淢ost businesses and government decision-makers understand that farmers含羞草研究社� markets in their area are a big win.含羞草研究社�

Provincially, farmers含羞草研究社� 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含羞草研究社橦ara says the BCAFM is seeing more and larger markets, and increased economic impact.

含羞草研究社淭hat含羞草研究社檚 a lovely trend. People care about their local food security, supporting local farmers, and where their food comes from.含羞草研究社�

She encourages cities and towns across the province to create and support farmers含羞草研究社� markets in their communities.

含羞草研究社淭ake care of your food lands, take care of your farmers by shopping and supporting local because that is a long-term, sustainable view.含羞草研究社�

The full study is available on the .

READ MORE: Kelowna farmer fears climate change will prune agriculture from family tree