Experiences and Human Agency: Vancouver Farmers’ Market

Apr 21, 2016
3 min read

The number of farmers’ market in the City of Vancouver is increasing. They are also increasing in neighbouring municipalities such as Burnaby and New Westminster. How are they successful? Who attends them and why do they go? I decided to look at Vancouver Famers’ Market as they are one of the most successful local food movements in the City of Vancouver. I am measuring this success based on the growth that they’ve had in recent years. Not only have they increased in the number of markets but also the number of vendors, attendees, and volunteers.

Initially when I was planning out sites to visit for the project, I had wanted to go to as many farmers’ markets (ex. Yaletown, Hastings Park, Kitsilano, Trout Lake) as I could for the purpose of observing them in different neighbourhoods. I presume that due to different income levels in different neighbourhoods and ‘vibe’ of each neighbourhood, participants will go to the market that they seem to best fit in. Unfortunately in the winter months there are only two farmers’ markets hosted by Vancouver Farmers’ Market- Nat Bailey Stadium and Hastings Park. Nonetheless I went to these two markets and observed them.

I first went to the market at Nat Bailey Stadium. This is located in an area of low to middle class individuals. On this satirical map created four and a half years ago, Nat Bailey Stadium is located between “white families” and “hipster overflow”. Please note that the map may be offensive for some but I am referring to it because I think it is correct to some extent in terms of who lives in Vancouver’s various neighbourhoods which I believe is important in place making.

One thing that I thought was interesting is the layout of the market. I would say that the market resembles and ‘L’ shape. It is kind of symmetrical in terms of the types of vendors that are present- they are evenly spread out. Food trucks are on both ends, as well as produce stands, local bakeries, and artisan goods such as cheese or honey. These combined with friendly personalities, unique food, and live music, I was enjoying my time there. The overall atmosphere resonates that of serenity, engagement, and passion. Whenever I asked vendors about how they make their products they are more than willing to describe the process. To me this demonstrates passion and enjoyment for what they are a part of.

Likewise, when I went to the Hastings Park market I felt similar feelings. Not mentioned yet are the kinds of people I observed who attend these farmers’ markets. There are predominantly families, Caucasians, and health enthusiasts (I apologize if I sound degrading, I don’t mean to). To purchase items I would say that you need a decent steady income. Much of the products are pricier compared to a big box grocery store. For example, one bunch of organic kale at the market is roughly $3 each whereas at the grocery store it is roughly $1.99 or $2.49 each. To me, I would not go to a farmers’ market if I do not value local food systems, want to eat ‘healthier’ (I put this in quotation because it is a highly debated topic), or want to see what the farmers’ market is like. As well, for the average person it is much more convenient to go to a grocery store; they are so many of them, have long hours, and are overall cheaper. This suggests that one needs to have an intrinsic motivation to attend a farmers’ market…human agency and consciousness!

To relate this to Vancouver’s 2020 Greenest City Action Plan, it is evident that there may be a bias towards local food. 173 out of the 400 (43.25%) greenest city projects so far are for local food (both public and private). This information was obtained from Open Data Catalogue Vancouver. In the 2014-2015 implementation update, there has been a 36% increase so far in reaching the target for local food- increase food assets by a minimum of 50% by 2020 over 2010 levels. It is almost there! Could this action plan be one of the reasons why the Vancouver’s Farmers’ Market is succeeding? Due to its growth, will it become an apparatus of its own?