Vancouver farmers markets are a joy to visit on a nice sunny day, basking in the sights of the fresh produce and rubbing shoulders with fellow Vancouverites, and maybe grabbing a treat from a local food truck.<\/p>\n
However, there\u2019s a lesser-known reality for farmers markets that many don\u2019t know about, particularly here in Vancouver.<\/p>\n
Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) receives no structural city funding and pays over $30,000 in annual municipal fees. These aren\u2019t city-run, taxpayer-funded community services.<\/p>\n
VFM is an independent and registered non-profit society that has been around since 1995. It also has community tables and a busker program that saw 55 performers enhancing the experience in 2025.<\/p>\n
VFM includes markets like the Trout Lake Farmers Market (where it all began), Riley Park Farmers Market and Downtown Farmers Market. The 2025 VFM annual report<\/a> suggests that its infrastructure is often overlooked.<\/p>\n In 2025, VFM generated $18 million in direct sales for small farms and producers, with an impact of over $27 million on the local economy. VFM also gives back, having distributed $350,000 to lower-income families and households. Those families and households were able to get access to \u201cdignified\u201d fresh and local food.<\/p>\n In five years, VFM saw annual growth from $10 million to $18 million. In 2025, VFM saw 675,000 total market visitors.<\/p>\n