A recent press release from the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets notes that a study by Seattle University between 2003-2011 found organic fruits and vegetables in season are either cheaper or of equal value at a farmers' market.
The B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets is looking at how farmers' market prices compare with grocery stores. Preliminary findings in six B.C. communities indicate that conventional and organic products at farmers' markets are the same price or less than at grocery stores. In Vancouver, 11 out of 15 conventional and organic fruits and vegetables compared were the same price or less.
Products were compared at three major grocery chains and the majority had very few B.C. products on their shelves despite being in the middle of B.C.'s prime agricultural season. Only B.C.-owner Save-On-Foods carried a decent selection of B.C. product.
Farmers' markets often have more organic selection and this can make them seem expensive, but the price of equivalent products is generally the same or less than in grocery stores.
