Farmers’ Market Discussion
Setting up for a day of selling. - Photo by David H.
Jason Guard at Carmelized Opinion is discussing the pro/cons of the producer only concept and it is worth giving a read and chiming into the discussion.
It’s natural to project altruism on our grocer if they’ve spread their goods out on folding tables in an otherwise obscure parking lot. Of course they’ve gone the extra mile to serve you because they’re literally standing behind their product. But, what if it isn’t their product and the seller is just a disinterested middle-man? Fine, if they’re up front about it. Right? But with so many opportunists jumping on board the eco-green-artisan marketing aesthetic, who the hell knows what you’re being sold these day. Maybe we need market organizers applying some regulations. But are you ready for to find zero Albemarle County apples from Victory Farms? And what will become of the Fritos in Nates Taco Truck’s Frito pie? And where will Blanchards find cheap land to grow enough coffee to keep us caffeinated as we make the rounds at SOTJ? (j/k)
I do wonder about some produce that we buy at the farmers market. We know coffee beans and Frito Lays are not going to be local, but the produce should be. And by ‘local’ I’m referring to at least ‘Virginia Grown’. I have no problem with Victory Farms selling peaches and apples from a local orchard. They’re typically upfront about it and even let us know if and when chemicals were used. I would have a problem with someone selling produce that came from South America and giving the impression it was local.
As I posted before I would really wish that the food vendors would used as much produce from their fellow local vendors as possible. It would help to keep as much money local as possible which is partially the point of local farmers markets. I know some products may be much harder to find locally, but at least try as much as possible and maybe highlight one local ingredient with each dish.
If the vendor is only a reseller, then I don’t want them at the markets. If they mainly sell their own products and carry others to round out their wares or as a convenience for buyers then okay. An example, Faith Farm – I have a share in their cow but would also like to buy the butter they resell. Oh no, instead they have been banned!