Farming in Richmond, BC
The views of Richmond, BC have slowly transformed over the years, once a rural farming community, now a modern urban landscape. Long before the high rises, the Canada Line and shopping malls, Richmond was predominantly comprised of farmland. Initially, it was the fertile soil that drew settlers to the area, and as more people began to call Richmond home, the small town developed into the metropolis we know today. Even though Richmond has grown quite quickly in recent years, it still actively maintains its roots in farming.
According to the 2021 census, there were 184 farms registered in Richmond, which made up approximately 22% of the city’s land. These 184 farms reported $66.1 million in gross revenue that year, with cranberries and blueberries being the city’s main crops.
While the industry has seen a decline in the workforce as of late, our local farms are doing what they can to sustain production. Learning about agriculture and the important role that farming plays in our community will hopefully inspire future generations to get involved.
A great way to support Richmond’s farming industry is to purchase your produce directly from local farms. A few of our favourite local markets happen to be seasonal, but next time you are headed out for some fresh fruits and veggies – check out one of these farm-to-table options. You won’t be disappointed!
Richmond Country Farms
Located on Steveston Hwy and Sidaway, this market is a local hotspot in the spring and summer! Offering a beautiful array of fresh local produce, you are sure to find inspiration for a Sunday dinner here. In addition to fresh fruit and veggies, they also offer a variety of local artisanal and gourmet products.
Richmond GAIA Farm
Open year-round, Richmond’s GAIA Farm is located on Blundell Road just west of Sidaway. This farm is dedicated to sustainable farming practices and providing produce that is naturally grown - free of pesticides. In addition to carrying a large variety of veggies and herbs, GAIA farm also carries free-range eggs. Check out their website for more information and the farm’s winter hours.
Kwantlen Street Market
This seasonal farmer’s market has become a local favourite. Every Tuesday from May – November, the market pops up in Minoru Plaza offering a chance for shoppers to engage with local farmers and university students from Kwantlen’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. In addition to locally grown produce, the market stalls feature a variety of hand-crafted specialty goods. If you are interested in checking out this event – visit their website for 2025 market details.
Whether you have an interest in how our food is grown, want to support local farms or simply want to make better choices about your food, visiting one of our local farms is a great place to start!
