Farmers Markets- Tradition and Today
Posted: Saturday, July 25, 2009
by Jon Searles
Farmers markets have been in existence since man first harvested the bounty which sprouted from the hard work and labor associated with farming and living off the land. Taking the excess family inventory and selling it, or trading it for other items needed to expand dietary variety as well as other goods associated with farming such as wool, hides, and candles, farmers existed on a cycle that included these seasonal markets. Making a few dollars also helped keep the family working until the next farmers market. It was a time of social interaction and family updating, since many of these people were too busy or lived to far apart to see each other more frequently.
Poorer, less industrialized countries have never lost the tradition and heritage of a farmers market and food markets. And although there are many variations of these types of markets in our country and others they were always based on sound capitalistic principles of profit and loss. Farmers need to profit on their bounty since no one can survive if their only result is loss. Today's farmers markets may have their share of vendors who are in it for conscience, or hobby, but most still desire a profit for the work that is involved. You can see it in their eyes as they offer up to you the "fruits of their labor" for you to admire and buy.
Unfortunately, we must always be vigilante as we watch any capitalistic venture to make sure entrepreneurs with less than honest motives do not sneak in undetected into the farmers markets selling items as their own. Buying large quantities of items at the local Costco at low prices and transferring them to other containers that look more home grown is surely being perpetrated in some of the locations. But these people will be found out and banished by the true farmers markets and enclaves of agricultural purists.
We have become accustomed to finding seasonal fruits and vegetables year round. Imagine being unable to demand strawberries in the dead of winter unless they had been put in preserves the previous summer or shipped in from Honduras or not being able to enjoy fresh stewed okra and turnip greens unless they were kept frozen from the previous harvest. Eating fresh and eating local is not always easy or convenient, but it is enjoyable.
The USDA (United States Dept. of Agriculture) has estimated an increase in farmer's markets from 1755 to 4685 from 1994 to 2008. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) have even come together to announce National Farmers Market Week August 2-8 2009. Go to the websites www.farmersmarketcoalition.org or www.ams.usda.gov/WholesaleFarmersMarket for more great information. Private websites, such as www.localharvest.org , also have a great listing of resources, and goods for sale. The internet has helped strengthen the ability of many to spread the word concerning their foods and goods. The virtual farmers market does lack the ambiance of a true to life location.
I enjoy visiting local farmers markets in the New England area in which I live. Breads, honey, vegetables, little neck clams, and real maple syrup are always part of the offering at the seasonal weekend events. One will on occasion pay more per pound at these locations than the local grocery store, but the trade off for an increased price for what I believe is a higher quality more flavorful product is worth it. Whether you travel out to a local farm which has converted its front pasture into a small set up of tents and carts or to a local bank parking lot lined with pickups and open car trucks, a farmers market is a great way to find locally grown food and meet your neighbors. You will also hopefully discover that nothing quite takes the place of picking up a fresh ear of corn on a warm summer morning, smelling its sweet aroma and feeling its silk tickle your nose.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Hi Jon.Farmer's markets are great, but I've always had the concern that you voiced about frauds. Our local flea market has a farmer's market area that always has me wondering. I can't really talk to them about it, because they all speak very little American English. Which also means that I can't ask questions about what fertilizers or pesticides they may have used.But I love visiting farmer's markets anyway. We were all really sad here locally when Young's Farm closed down.Thanks for a great article,DiannePlease log in to respond to this comment.Dianne,Unfortunately can be present anytime a dollar is involved. I ask a lot of questions and I too find vendors without the ability to speak and understand English. I wish we could just look in the eyes and know. Thanks again for reading and have a great week.Please log in to respond to this comment.
hi jon,i love the idea of a farmer's market. we live in the country and there are roadside stands right on their property, so it's pretty certain their fruit is theirs, which is a big plus.we have another market that has vegetables, flowers, and specializes in honey. and then of course, there's always the backyard:)thanks for a good article.p.s. son graduating vo tech aug. 14th, daughter going in the army october 20th!Please log in to respond to this comment.
Jon, I enjoy the farmers market. I am not a fan of flea markets. Atlanta's Dekalb County has an outstanding market, actually two. Two brothers parted ways and it is my understanding they're in competition with each other. Consumers get to benefit. Farmers come to market here in downtown each Saturday from 8:00-1:00. It's a treat to attend. Our downtown is spectacular and this addition is a huge attraction. I'm an ole country gal. Daddy used to farm but stopped when I was 3 years old. He always planted something though to feed his family and the community, it seems. Those were the good old days and a resurgence of that lifestyle can be found in this area, thankfully! An enjoyable article, Jon!Please log in to respond to this comment.
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