About 130 farmers markets in Alberta will begin their season this weekend.
Alberta Agriculture reported today that almost 75 percent of Albertans visited a farmers market within the last year and spent an average of $55 per visit.
Eileen Kotowich, farmers market specialist with the department, said the figures indicate higher attendance at markets and higher values achieved by farm booth holders.
A 2012 survey showed the market value of the events has tripled since 2004 and reached $724 million last year. That figure was up 90 percent compared to 2008 figures, according to a news release
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On average, Alberta households spent $671 at farmers markets in 2012, said the survey.
There is an approval process involved before a farmers market is considered to be Alberta approved as opposed to a public market.
Alberta Agriculture requires that its approved markets be run by a non-profit group, operate under direction of an advisory board and that at least 80 percent of the vendors meet the “make it, bake it, grow it” criteria.
As well, approved markets must operate for no less than 10 days per year and for at least two hours on market day.
Public markets are generally privately owned and each vendor must have food safety permits, in addition to any applicable business or vendor licences at their location.
