EDMONTON – More Albertans are buying locally grown food than ever before, says a recent Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development study.
Three-quarters of Alberta households visited farmers’ markets in 2012, and spent around $55 per visit.
“People are more interested in seeing where their food is coming from,” said Eila Jaksa, manager of the Mill Woods Farmers’ Market. “They want to support local vendors. You can develop relationships with them. You find out how they grow their produce, their food, all of their products, and how they actually produce it. You can ask questions, get details, and be assured that it is OK food.”
Currently there are 130 Alberta approved markets in the province.
The average Alberta family spent around $700 at farmers’ markets in 2012. Both the number of approved farmers’ markets and the amount of money spent at them are rising every year.
Jaksa attributes the success of local farmers’ markets to two things: food security and community building.
“You are supporting your local economy,” she said. “You keep your dollars in the local area of where you are actually going to your market.
“I think when you have a community you support one another, and you really want to support one another, and see that other people will do well. This is their business, this is how they make their living, and so I want to support those people that I know.”
All of the money spent at farmers’ markets stays within the local economy. Over $500 million in local food has been purchased at these markets since 2004 – enough to pay for the new Edmonton hockey arena with some change left over.
It is commonplace for customers to build long-standing relationships with vendors.
“I’ve seen their kids grow up, I’ve seen my kids grow up, I’ve learned about their lives,” Jaksa said. “Every spring and summer it’s like seeing old friends. I know that the vendors feel the same way, and they really appreciate their customers coming out.”
Most of Alberta’s farmers’ markets will be opening this month.
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