The summer Kelowna Farmers香蕉视频直播� and Crafters香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播橦ara, says the study demonstrates the importance and value of farmers香蕉视频直播� markets and their social and community impact.

香蕉视频直播淭hey香蕉视频直播檙e a place to meet with your neighbours and get the community vibe. A gathering place, and a community hub with social capital.香蕉视频直播�

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香蕉视频直播橦ara says that香蕉视频直播檚 a win-win for the markets and surrounding businesses.

香蕉视频直播淵ou香蕉视频直播檙e bringing people into the community where they might be staying over, they are shopping at adjacent businesses as are locals.香蕉视频直播�

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香蕉视频直播橦ara says that is a testament to stakeholders and the community.

香蕉视频直播淭hey have figured out a solution to an important community asset.香蕉视频直播�

READ MORE: Kelowna Farmers香蕉视频直播� and Crafters香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播橦ara.

香蕉视频直播淢ost businesses and government decision-makers understand that farmers香蕉视频直播� markets in their area are a big win.香蕉视频直播�

Provincially, farmers香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播橦ara says the BCAFM is seeing more and larger markets, and increased economic impact.

香蕉视频直播淭hat香蕉视频直播檚 a lovely trend. People care about their local food security, supporting local farmers, and where their food comes from.香蕉视频直播�

She encourages cities and towns across the province to create and support farmers香蕉视频直播� markets in their communities.

香蕉视频直播淭ake care of your food lands, take care of your farmers by shopping and supporting local because that is a long-term, sustainable view.香蕉视频直播�

The full study is available on the .

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