From  Farmers' Market Canada newsletter - Fresh off the Press January 2009:
The combined national economic impact of farmers’ markets in Canada is estimated in a range between $2 billion and $3 billion.
This information, among other facts, is one of the highlights of the results from the National Farmers’ Markets Impact Study – Farmers’ Markets Canada’s first major project – which will be released at the FMC conference in February.
The study was conducted in 2008 by Experience Renewal Solutions Inc. on behalf of FMC to assess trends and highlight opportunities for growth in the farmers’ market industry.
The survey also studied the immense economic impact of farmers’ markets in Canada. Among the findings to be revealed at the conference include profiles of average market shoppers and how those shoppers spend their money.
The study also found that:
• Farmers’ markets remain strong contributors both to the economy and to the fabric of Canadian communities.
• Farmers’ markets continue to show growth on an annual basis.
• Farmers’ markets play a key role in the marketing of Canadian agricultural products; they play a significant role in generating farm incomes.
• Strong growth opportunities in this sector focus on more aggressive marketing and promotion of markets; on encouraging additional vendors and vendor capabilities; on improved access to labour; and on the development of
more and improved facilities.
• The need for a National Association is recognized, in order to focus on and represent growth opportunities and to provide strong support for farmers’ market stakeholders.

For more information on Farmers' Markets Canada go to: www.famersmarketscanada.ca