Please Don’t Squeeze the Tomatoes!

Please Don’t Squeeze the Tomatoes! A vibrant tomato at a farmers market, being tested with a squeeze, highlights a growing concern among local growers and market organizers in Vancouver. The image captures a moment of both simplicity and complexity, as the fruit symbolizes the broader challenges faced by farmers markets in securing adequate space and resources. With increasing visitor numbers and rising demand for fresh, locally sourced produce, these markets are becoming central hubs for community engagement and sustainable food systems. Yet, despite their importance, many face mounting pressure from urban development and limited access to suitable locations. Vancouver Farmers Markets has operated in the city for over three decades, serving as a vital link between rural producers and urban consumers. As of 2025, the organization runs nine neighborhood markets that attract nearly 675,000 visitors annually. These markets provide direct selling opportunities for hundreds of local farms and small businesses, including 264 active vendors. Among them, 66 are newcomers, 147 are owned by women, 51 are run by young entrepreneurs, and 115 are operated by businesses led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This diversity underscores the role of farmers markets in supporting inclusive economic growth and community resilience. Despite this success, several key markets, such as Trout Lake, Riley Park, West End, and Kitsilano, are experiencing increasing restrictions and a lack of adequate infrastructure. These issues are compounded by the fact that market spaces are often treated as temporary or recreational areas rather than essential components of the city's social and economic fabric. As a result, markets are being pushed further into the margins, with some even forced to relocate or reduce operations. One example of the strain on market space comes from Glorious Organics, a respected co-op farm based in Aldergrove. Alongside Friesen Farm, Glorious Organics forms the Organic Farm Connection, a group that has consistently supplied high-quality organic produce to multiple Vancouver markets for years. However, the duo has found themselves struggling to accommodate the growing volume of produce and customer traffic within their current 20-by-27-foot stall. Despite repeated applications for additional space, the markets have failed to provide the necessary expansion, leaving the farmers to manage increasingly crowded conditions. Similarly, Cropthorne Farm, located on Westham Island, faces ongoing challenges related to space constraints. Started in 2009, the farm operates as a certified organic family business and is known for offering over 50 varieties of mixed organic vegetables at the West End, Kitsilano, and Riley Park markets. The farm’s presence is highly valued by customers, but the logistics of transporting and displaying such a wide range of products require substantial space and time. For owner Lydia Ryall, the limitations of existing market setups create a difficult balance between operational efficiency and accessibility for both her team and customers. Urban food startups, too, are feeling the impact of inadequate market infrastructure. Ben Healy, a 28-year-old Irish immigrant and trained chef, recently joined Vancouver Farmers Markets with a unique offering: traditional Irish brown bread made using local grains. His participation reflects the evolving nature of farmers markets, which are increasingly becoming platforms for innovation and cultural exchange. Yet, the challenge of finding enough space to display and sell his product mirrors the struggles of established vendors. As the demand for farmers markets continues to rise, so does the urgency for the city to recognize their value and ensure they have the support needed to thrive. Without meaningful investment in infrastructure and policy changes, these markets risk being squeezed out of the urban landscape altogether. The future of local food systems, and the communities they serve, depends on addressing these pressing concerns.