Farmers markets are overated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question - how can you tell when the farmer grew the produce themself vs reselling something they bought from elsewhere?

Look at the fingernails of the person ringing you up.

I'm a market manager and farmer who sells at our exurb farmers market. I had to laugh at this because, man, is it true. In the summer I have no fingernails. My jeans are also dirty and I may have mud on my boots and maybe even on my shirt. Getting our truck ready for market days is a huge lift and I may or may not have time to clean myself up in time for opening.

The best way to approach a farmers market is to know what is in season in your growing zone and look for what are called "producer only" markets. Nothing annoys me (and other farmers) more than someone coming to our tent in May, looking for peaches, tomatoes, or sweet corn. Seriously, every year this happens. We joke that we should put up a "swear jar" and every time someone asks for X when it's out of season, they have to put a quarter in the jar. It's amazing to me how so many people are out of touch with how/where/why their food is grown.

I hear you on prices - but keep in mind it's not free for us to sell at the markets - I know the one at Loudoun and the Eat Loco and Ashburn markets have huge fees for the farmers - like 2k for the season per tent per market (so if you need two tents to cover your space, that's 4k for the season for just one market). That's a LOT of money for the little guy, with no guarantee we'll sell enough to recoup expenses on that. We've quit markets where it wasn't worth our time to go and we lost a big fee, because the management wasn't doing anything to bring in people.

This is part of the reason farmers markets have become "corporatized" only the big resellers can afford to sell at these markets. We are also required to have liability insurance, and any state permits required for what we sell (meat, eggs, honey, etc). It's not like farmers can just show up, pitch a tent and sell. It's a long, expensive process to get to where we can sell at markets. I think the better markets are not in the city but out in the suburbs/exurbs where it's closer to the farms - the city markets attract the resellers because that is where the customers with deep pockets live.

I do love our regular customers who stop by for a visit and talk about what's coming out of our farm in the next few weeks, some have become good friends over the years. I know that they are trying to plan ahead for what we will have each week. We try to put out a weekly social media post with some photos to keep our followers up-to-date and provide a list of stuff that will be on our truck, but that is certainly not the first priority for us every day when we are so busy with what is ready to harvest, and getting it picked and sorted in time for market.

Thanks for posting this. Next to your swear jar, perhaps you could post lists of the seasons for the various things you sell. I’ve spent most of my life living not just in cities, but in apartments, shopping at supermarkets. While I know that strawberries aren’t going to be local in February, I truly have no idea whether they’re in season in April vs July, or if this changes with different growing techniques, types of strawberries, or the specific regions that are considered “local”. I also don’t know if strawberries might actually be in season — but you don’t have any for sale because the earlier shoppers bought them all before I got there. While educating customers like me should not be your first priority, doing so would be a kindness, and might save a bit of frustration on both sides of the market stands.

FWIW, when my local market posted a chart showing when different varieties of apples as well as other produce would be available, I was thrilled, and became a much more enthusiastic shopper. It’s a win-win when I can buy a few pounds of my favorites instead of leaving empty handed because I had no idea that “the last week for those” was “two weeks ago.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question - how can you tell when the farmer grew the produce themself vs reselling something they bought from elsewhere?

Look at the fingernails of the person ringing you up.

I'm a market manager and farmer who sells at our exurb farmers market. I had to laugh at this because, man, is it true. In the summer I have no fingernails. My jeans are also dirty and I may have mud on my boots and maybe even on my shirt. Getting our truck ready for market days is a huge lift and I may or may not have time to clean myself up in time for opening.

The best way to approach a farmers market is to know what is in season in your growing zone and look for what are called "producer only" markets. Nothing annoys me (and other farmers) more than someone coming to our tent in May, looking for peaches, tomatoes, or sweet corn. Seriously, every year this happens. We joke that we should put up a "swear jar" and every time someone asks for X when it's out of season, they have to put a quarter in the jar. It's amazing to me how so many people are out of touch with how/where/why their food is grown.

I hear you on prices - but keep in mind it's not free for us to sell at the markets - I know the one at Loudoun and the Eat Loco and Ashburn markets have huge fees for the farmers - like 2k for the season per tent per market (so if you need two tents to cover your space, that's 4k for the season for just one market). That's a LOT of money for the little guy, with no guarantee we'll sell enough to recoup expenses on that. We've quit markets where it wasn't worth our time to go and we lost a big fee, because the management wasn't doing anything to bring in people.

This is part of the reason farmers markets have become "corporatized" only the big resellers can afford to sell at these markets. We are also required to have liability insurance, and any state permits required for what we sell (meat, eggs, honey, etc). It's not like farmers can just show up, pitch a tent and sell. It's a long, expensive process to get to where we can sell at markets. I think the better markets are not in the city but out in the suburbs/exurbs where it's closer to the farms - the city markets attract the resellers because that is where the customers with deep pockets live.

I do love our regular customers who stop by for a visit and talk about what's coming out of our farm in the next few weeks, some have become good friends over the years. I know that they are trying to plan ahead for what we will have each week. We try to put out a weekly social media post with some photos to keep our followers up-to-date and provide a list of stuff that will be on our truck, but that is certainly not the first priority for us every day when we are so busy with what is ready to harvest, and getting it picked and sorted in time for market.

Thanks for posting this. Next to your swear jar, perhaps you could post lists of the seasons for the various things you sell. I’ve spent most of my life living not just in cities, but in apartments, shopping at supermarkets. While I know that strawberries aren’t going to be local in February, I truly have no idea whether they’re in season in April vs July, or if this changes with different growing techniques, types of strawberries, or the specific regions that are considered “local”. I also don’t know if strawberries might actually be in season — but you don’t have any for sale because the earlier shoppers bought them all before I got there. While educating customers like me should not be your first priority, doing so would be a kindness, and might save a bit of frustration on both sides of the market stands.

FWIW, when my local market posted a chart showing when different varieties of apples as well as other produce would be available, I was thrilled, and became a much more enthusiastic shopper. It’s a win-win when I can buy a few pounds of my favorites instead of leaving empty handed because I had no idea that “the last week for those” was “two weeks ago.”

Quoted Farmer. I'm not sure what state you are in, but Maryland puts out a chart for seasonal produce, found here: https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/Maryland-Fruit-and-Vegetable-Seasonality-Charts.pdf If you google the state you live in and "seasonal produce" hopefully you will find a similar chart put out by your state's Department of Agriculture.

I had this laminated and it's on our table right next to our licenses and our QR codes for Paypal/venmo/cashapp/Zelle.

If you want the best selection, especially fruit, go at the beginning of the market, fruit sells out fast, usually within the first hour of the market. Peach/plum season is just now starting. We have people waiting for us and there have been a few times I have had to politely ask people to give us 15 minutes to finish setting up - they will start pawing through produce before we've unboxed our truck (don't do this, it's rude).

If you want a discount, go at the end of the market. There are nights where I don't feel like packing stuff back up, and if I even look at another bunch of broccoli, I'm liable to chuck it at DH's head because I'm hot, sweaty, tired, been on my feet since 6am, haven't eaten lunch or dinner, and ready to go home. That's when I'm more likely to knock a few bucks off just to get it gone and not have to haul it back home.

Get to know your favorite farmers, on a personal level, be nice. I have favorite customers who will email me and ask if I will hold things for them, or bring extra of something because they are having a party or a special dinner; Requests like I need 10lbs of green beans, or X dozen sweet corn, can you pick some of the cucumbers smaller so I can make bread and butter pickles, or can you hold some San Marzano tomatoes for me and I will pick them up at 6pm? Those customers I will go the extra mile for because I know them, and I know they will come get what I am holding for them.

[Anonymous]

I think you have to go to farmers markets with a skeptical eye. You have to find the gems and avoid bad actors.

Which sucks! Because it’s so community friendly, it stinks to walk in there suspicious.

But you gotta do it. It’s annoying to go with people who aren’t skeptical at all to a farmer’s market. They’re like oooh “look at this craft (re-sale you can find anywhere). Look at this these mangoes (still have the grocery store stickers, selling for more than Giant prices).”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Farmers markets are not all alike. My most convenient Whole Foods market has just okay produce, and more conventional produce than organic.

Try the Baltimore Farmers Market under the JFX, on Sundays. It’s quite wonderful.
https://farmersmarketbaltimore.org/

Downtown is slowly being overwhelmed by crafts and food vendors. It is fun but most produce are expensive for what they are and rarely better than what you get at MOM'S or WF. Same at Waverly on Saturday, which has many if not most of the same produce vendors.

I read the post by the farmers market manager and agree with her saying the best deals are in the suburbs. I go to a family owned farm north of Baltimore for seasonal produce they raise themselves, including amazing strawberries. Great value.

[Anonymous]

WF is also expensive.

Trust me, as someone who normally shops at Giant, the quality of produce in Farmer’s Markets is 1,000x better.

Plus they have a fun mix of products (like this weekend I got pea shoots and golden beets!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question - how can you tell when the farmer grew the produce themself vs reselling something they bought from elsewhere?

Look at the fingernails of the person ringing you up.

I'm a market manager and farmer who sells at our exurb farmers market. I had to laugh at this because, man, is it true. In the summer I have no fingernails. My jeans are also dirty and I may have mud on my boots and maybe even on my shirt. Getting our truck ready for market days is a huge lift and I may or may not have time to clean myself up in time for opening.

The best way to approach a farmers market is to know what is in season in your growing zone and look for what are called "producer only" markets. Nothing annoys me (and other farmers) more than someone coming to our tent in May, looking for peaches, tomatoes, or sweet corn. Seriously, every year this happens. We joke that we should put up a "swear jar" and every time someone asks for X when it's out of season, they have to put a quarter in the jar. It's amazing to me how so many people are out of touch with how/where/why their food is grown.

I hear you on prices - but keep in mind it's not free for us to sell at the markets - I know the one at Loudoun and the Eat Loco and Ashburn markets have huge fees for the farmers - like 2k for the season per tent per market (so if you need two tents to cover your space, that's 4k for the season for just one market). That's a LOT of money for the little guy, with no guarantee we'll sell enough to recoup expenses on that. We've quit markets where it wasn't worth our time to go and we lost a big fee, because the management wasn't doing anything to bring in people.

This is part of the reason farmers markets have become "corporatized" only the big resellers can afford to sell at these markets. We are also required to have liability insurance, and any state permits required for what we sell (meat, eggs, honey, etc). It's not like farmers can just show up, pitch a tent and sell. It's a long, expensive process to get to where we can sell at markets. I think the better markets are not in the city but out in the suburbs/exurbs where it's closer to the farms - the city markets attract the resellers because that is where the customers with deep pockets live.

I do love our regular customers who stop by for a visit and talk about what's coming out of our farm in the next few weeks, some have become good friends over the years. I know that they are trying to plan ahead for what we will have each week. We try to put out a weekly social media post with some photos to keep our followers up-to-date and provide a list of stuff that will be on our truck, but that is certainly not the first priority for us every day when we are so busy with what is ready to harvest, and getting it picked and sorted in time for market.

Thanks for posting this. Next to your swear jar, perhaps you could post lists of the seasons for the various things you sell. I’ve spent most of my life living not just in cities, but in apartments, shopping at supermarkets. While I know that strawberries aren’t going to be local in February, I truly have no idea whether they’re in season in April vs July, or if this changes with different growing techniques, types of strawberries, or the specific regions that are considered “local”. I also don’t know if strawberries might actually be in season — but you don’t have any for sale because the earlier shoppers bought them all before I got there. While educating customers like me should not be your first priority, doing so would be a kindness, and might save a bit of frustration on both sides of the market stands.

FWIW, when my local market posted a chart showing when different varieties of apples as well as other produce would be available, I was thrilled, and became a much more enthusiastic shopper. It’s a win-win when I can buy a few pounds of my favorites instead of leaving empty handed because I had no idea that “the last week for those” was “two weeks ago.”

Quoted Farmer. I'm not sure what state you are in, but Maryland puts out a chart for seasonal produce, found here: https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/Maryland-Fruit-and-Vegetable-Seasonality-Charts.pdf If you google the state you live in and "seasonal produce" hopefully you will find a similar chart put out by your state's Department of Agriculture.

I had this laminated and it's on our table right next to our licenses and our QR codes for Paypal/venmo/cashapp/Zelle.

If you want the best selection, especially fruit, go at the beginning of the market, fruit sells out fast, usually within the first hour of the market. Peach/plum season is just now starting. We have people waiting for us and there have been a few times I have had to politely ask people to give us 15 minutes to finish setting up - they will start pawing through produce before we've unboxed our truck (don't do this, it's rude).

If you want a discount, go at the end of the market. There are nights where I don't feel like packing stuff back up, and if I even look at another bunch of broccoli, I'm liable to chuck it at DH's head because I'm hot, sweaty, tired, been on my feet since 6am, haven't eaten lunch or dinner, and ready to go home. That's when I'm more likely to knock a few bucks off just to get it gone and not have to haul it back home.

Get to know your favorite farmers, on a personal level, be nice. I have favorite customers who will email me and ask if I will hold things for them, or bring extra of something because they are having a party or a special dinner; Requests like I need 10lbs of green beans, or X dozen sweet corn, can you pick some of the cucumbers smaller so I can make bread and butter pickles, or can you hold some San Marzano tomatoes for me and I will pick them up at 6pm? Those customers I will go the extra mile for because I know them, and I know they will come get what I am holding for them.

Thank you! This is all very helpful and much appreciated information!

[Anonymous]

Twin Springs is a great vendor at a number of markets who send out a weekly email with what's going to be at market (for example not just peaches but which peaches), usually together with pics of what's growing so if you want you can really get a sense of the cycle.

I actually appreciate that they also sell apples year round because they have the best apples but I do look forward to the changeover from stored apples to new ones.

[Anonymous]

It’s all bullshit.

[Anonymous]

The Bethesda Farmers Market is the worst. There is very little produce, and there are so many prepared food stands and food trucks. Plus it is so crowded because it is on Sunday and Bethesda people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Twin Springs is a great vendor at a number of markets who send out a weekly email with what's going to be at market (for example not just peaches but which peaches), usually together with pics of what's growing so if you want you can really get a sense of the cycle.

I actually appreciate that they also sell apples year round because they have the best apples but I do look forward to the changeover from stored apples to new ones.

I also like twin springs and they do a good job storing their apples to extend the season. They also generally have samples. Their salsa is great, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Bethesda Farmers Market is the worst. There is very little produce, and there are so many prepared food stands and food trucks. Plus it is so crowded because it is on Sunday and Bethesda people.

This was my experience at the falls church farmers market as well. Felt more like an outdoor version of Balduccis or something like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There. Said it. More expensive than Whole Foods and rarely better. Some exceptions, especially when apples are in season. But I'm just back from a prominent farmer's market in my city and spent a small fortune and I know it won't be better tasting than what I can get at Whole Foods this afternoon. No more.

Not true if you're a foodie looking for a special beef, lamb, fish supplier, or heirloom tomatoes, decent silver queen corn. If you go with a specific purpose, it might be the *only* place you can find things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Bethesda Farmers Market is the worst. There is very little produce, and there are so many prepared food stands and food trucks. Plus it is so crowded because it is on Sunday and Bethesda people.

I have about 3 or 4 vendors at Bethesda I really like (and with wfh I admit to getting frozen soups and things for lunches) but it is odd to me how many non-growers there are— this week orange theory had a stand!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There. Said it. More expensive than Whole Foods and rarely better. Some exceptions, especially when apples are in season. But I'm just back from a prominent farmer's market in my city and spent a small fortune and I know it won't be better tasting than what I can get at Whole Foods this afternoon. No more.

Not true if you're a foodie looking for a special beef, lamb, fish supplier, or heirloom tomatoes, decent silver queen corn. If you go with a specific purpose, it might be the *only* place you can find things.

Farmer again. We grow "niche" or heirloom vegetables that you won't find at the grocery stores or with the big farms. Most big farms focus on the common things. Regular slicing tomatoes, silver queen corn, green bell peppers, green beans etc. I like to try different things because I like the challenge of seeing what I can coax out of the dirt every year. I'm also growing for our own table and freezer and there are certain things I LOVE to eat - like French Gold wax beans. I love them, so I grow a LOT of them every year so I can put some up for the winter, in addition to selling them. We also grow a lot of specialty peppers you won't find just anywhere, like shishitos, cubanelles, and pepperoncini - again because DH makes his own pickled salad peppers for us to use. We have a lot of customers who are just single women or partnered women with no/grown kids, who don't need family sized portions of veggies so I've started to focus on the single use sized veggies, like baby butternuts, mini eggplants, and baby spaghetti squashes. This year I'm trying some New Queen watermelons, they are orange fleshed and around 8lbs. I just want to see what they taste like, they looked fun in the seed catalog last winter.

I also wanted to address the comments about how markets have a lot of non-farm vendors, and speaking as a market manager, that is because you don't want too many of one type of product because you will have vendors competing against each other and then vendors aren't happy and they leave and then you get a bad reputation among vendors which hurts your downstream recruitment for future markets. It's a balancing test to get the perfect market roster for the season. Some Market Managers also take a salary out of the fees (I don't, the market I manage is all community volunteer and vendor driven), and the space the market is held in may also charge rent for the space. My market's space and parking lot is donated by a civic group for a weekly market so I don't have that problem, but I know the ones in the city do have that issue. That affects the fees the vendors pay, which then affects the prices of items, and it affects which vendors can afford to pay the fee to participate.

There are a lot of things that affect a market that the public doesn't see. But one thing I know for sure, is that all markets would love to have more people volunteer to help, either with open/close, social media, recruiting vendors, lining up musicians, food trucks, or numerous other things that need done to make a market great.