On July 17, 2004, downtown Abbotsford hosted the Grand Opening of the exciting new Abbotsford Farm & Country Market. A modern market with a traditional “make, bake, or grow” tenet, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market showcases the best in British Columbian grown and produced products along with the creative talents of both artisans and entertainers.

Now in our fifth season, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market exists to celebrate the agricultural riches of our land and the talented people of our community in a fun, social and
vibrant setting.

The Market is held in the heart of downtown Abbotsford, on Montrose Avenue north of George Ferguson Way.  Each Saturday morning the Market springs to life as vendors assemble their stands to showcase the highest quality produce, processed foods, arts and crafts.

Designed not only as a shopping place but also as a social community venue, the market features cooking demonstrations, entertainment, raffles and contests for both vendors and shoppers.

The Abbotsford Farm & Country Market presents a fabulous opportunity for British Columbia growers, food producers, and artisans to sell and showcase their products in a street fair setting to thousands of quality conscious shoppers.

In late 2001, the Community Economic Development (CED) Strategic Plan for greater Abbotsford and Chilliwack recommended consideration of a Farmers’ Market for the Abbotsford area. In early 2003, with funding from Western Economic Diversification, Community Futures completed a Feasibility Study. Research was conducted and community feedback solicited through telephone and in-person interviews. In addition, a Community Forum was held with representation from community groups, individuals, and potential vendors, along with Ontario Farmers’ Market Specialists Robert (Bob) Chorney and associate Catherine A. Clark.

The feasibility study concluded that with the population base of Abbotsford, the fact that the area is a major agricultural center, and the increasing popularity of such markets throughout North America, there were strong arguments for the establishment of a farmers’ market in Abbotsford.

In the fall of 2003, Tourism Abbotsford, South Fraser Community Futures, and the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association joined forces to establish a farmers’ market in Abbotsford. With assistance from Human Resources Development Canada and the JCP program, Community Futures was able to hire a full time market manager to coordinate, manage and do follow up for the first year. Since January 2004, the market has been governed by a Steering committee comprised of representatives from these three managing partners, who have all contributed financially to launching the new market. In addition, there are representatives from all vendor categories, including farmers, processors, and artisans. The organizers also have an active Community Input Group.

The Abbotsford Farm & Country Market Society was formed in May 2004 and effective June 16th 2004 took over responsibility for managing the market.
 

The following people form the 2008 society board:

Bob Thomas	President
Stacey Corriveau	Secretary / Treasurer
Ingrid Epp	Abbotsford Downtown Business Association
Janice Patterson	Angel Kiss Confections
Leah Todd	valley gold bee co.
Ann Friesen	Friesen Farm
Gwen Settle	Director
Leslie Easte	Shipwrecked Treasures
Carroll Lum	Director
Barb Jones	Director

• There are more than 100 farmers’ markets in BC
   
• Farmers’ markets have seen a dramatic resurgence in recent years
   
• 100 Farmers' markets are operating in British Columbia this year
   
• Membership in the BC Association of Farmers' markets will top 70, up from 21 in 2001
   
• 90% of shoppers are attracted by the fresh produce but stay for the fun
   
• The Canadian market for organic food products is growing at approx 15-20 % per annum. In comparison, the growth in the conventional food market is approx 3.3 % per annum.
   
• 65% of people believe that organically produced food is better for them
   
• 30% of the population is willing to pay 20% more for products that include natural
  and organic foods