A history of farmers' markets in Canada

Abstract

PurposeFarmers' markets are often identified as the roots of marketing enterprise. They are usually considered as part of a traditional economy. This study seeks to examine how the social and political context shaped the appearance, growth, decline, and reappearance of farmers' markets in Canada. It aims to demonstrate the continuation and resilience of this industry.Design/methodology/approachPublished research and historical documents of Canadian farmers' markets were used to derive a periodization of events based on events and turning points to allow an understanding of the factors affecting business success.FindingsThis study finds three eras of farmers' markets in Canada that were shaped by the social and political environment. In the first era, between 1800 and 1915, immigrants brought their conception of farmers' markets from Europe to the early settlements of the “new world.” In the second era between 1916 and 1970, as people moved west they became more self‐sufficient. Life became modernized and farming became more industrial. People shifted from their reliance on farmers' markets to more general mercantile stores and then to modern supermarkets. In the third era, starting in the 1970s, farmers' markets came into resurgence, largely as a result of a growing interest in the environment and local foods. They are currently, however, mostly relegated to a niche role in the modern food supply.Originality/valueThis study shows how the success of a particular commercial enterprise, in this case farmers' markets, is shaped by and reacts to larger forces in the business environment.

The secrets of the longevity of informal retail markets in Croatia

“…Farmers’ markets are an outcome of a traditional culture (Basil, 2012) where farmers, growers, or producers sell their own produce directly to the public (Archer et al , 2003).…”

“…Markets are public spaces not only for commercial activities but also for multiple forms of social interaction (Watson, 2009; Watson and Studdert, 2006) and are the origin of the term marketing (Basil, 2012; Dixon, 1995; Blackman, 1962).…”

“…Basil (2012) argues that we are in the midst of a historical shift as supermarkets and hypermarkets grow in importance and food consumption patterns change. Banwell et al (2016) note that many Asian consumers continue to purchase perishables mainly from fresh markets, while processed and packaged foods are purchased from supermarkets.…”

“…Conversely, Rajagopal (2010) points out that the coexistence of street markets and the rise of shopping malls have been major retailing trends in developing countries for decades. Although as part of an earlier era, for many cultures especially in emerging countries, traditional markets remain an important part of life (Basil, 2012) due to a perception that they provide better value (Alexander et al , 2008; Emslie et al , 2007).…”

Re-centering labour in local food: local washing and the growing reliance on permanently temporary migrant farmworkers in Nova Scotia

“…Currently, Nova Scotia hosts around 69 farmers’ markets (Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, personal communication). Following a period of decline nationally between 1916 and 1970, associated with the rise of industrial foods and grocery stores, farmers’ markets underwent a revival in the 1970s in response to environmental concerns and government support (Basil 2012 ). Farmers’ markets and various CSA programs in Nova Scotia have proliferated in more recent years, leading some to conclude that the alternative food initiatives in the province have been, on balance, successful in “foster[ing] the development of new projects and opportunities for businesses, farmers, and some fish harvesters” (Andrée et al 2016 , p. 473).…”