A local study has found that nearly $800,000 goes into our local economy from the Farmers Market.

     Research by David Connell and a team of students conducted a research on the Prince George Farmers Market. They surveyed more than 300 people on September 9 and estimated that almost 2,000 people visited the market.

     According to their research the Farmer's Market contributes $794,000 to the local economy per year. The Farmer's Market also draws large groups of people to the downtown area. Connell's research shows that 64% of that group also attends neighboring businesses while in the downtown area. This shows that the Farmer's Market also indirectly aids the economy by drawing people into other downtown businesses. Additional spending at other downtown businesses is estimated at $402,000.

     “Our research has shown that the Farmers' Market has had a strong positive influence on downtown Prince George. This is borne out by the hard numbers as well as the opinions of market attendees and neighboring businesses who – almost without exception – see the Farmer's Market as very positive aspect of the downtown. The results give us a glimpse of what the potential benefits would be of a year-round market” states David Connell.

     The market is only held from May to October, so it's too late to participate this year but it will return again in 2007. The crafts and foods are typically locally produced and the fair consists of upwards of 55 vendors.

     Recent town markets have also included the craft fair held at UNBC and similar markets through local schools and churches.