I'm just now reading Zeedman's and digitS's observations about farmers markets. A lot of good points made here.
Steve wrote: "What happens in a farmers' market after a few seasons is that things do become
sorted out. Growers have to be willing to make something of a commitment and those are the best vendors for the customers and market, anyway."
I've seen this happen. The first time I visited this market a few years ago, I went there to see if anyone was selling pasture-raised chickens. There were a couple people at a booth near the entrance promoting their chicken, but the various packaged cuts of meat had a commercial look to them. When I asked if their birds were raised on pasture, the answer was no, so I passed. Next I found the booth run by a farming couple from a town next to mine, displaying their homemade maple candies and syrup and having a cooler that contained two of their pasture-raised chickens. I bought one! Later I got to know these people better and they have expanded their product lines, raising multiple species of herbivores. Bought some lamb chops a couple weeks ago that were to die for! And they promised that if I contact them ahead of time they can have specific cuts of meat to order. Had a nice conversation with the wife about the sad state of today's kids not knowing where their food comes from.
But long story short, in subsequent return visits to this market, there has been no sign of the booth selling "commercial-looking" chicken parts, only the couple with the pasture raised meats, clearly doing a great business with customers voting with their dollars for humanely raised meats. So yes, this market seemingly sorted itself out in this instance.
Another thing that may determine types of product sellers (just guessing here since I have nothing to do with the operation of this farmers market) is that because of the small space afforded by this little city park, perhaps permissions/rental agreements are selected so as to have a mix of garden produce, baked goods, and other homemade items. So this may prevent the market being taken over by crafters. Just a guess. I definitely like the variety. At my last visit I was delighted to find a lady selling homemade bread (not organic, but baked with very few and good ingredients). I bought a loaf of sour dough bread and it was exquisite. Also I patronized another baker selling homemade organic dog treats. These were especially great, because these were soft treats that my 16 year old chihuahua with the bad teeth can easily manage, and they were a big hit with both dogs. Then there is a jewelry maker's booth that causes me to stop and look, but since I have a lifetime's worth of jewelry with less and less occasions to wear any of it, I reluctantly don't stop here. There is usually a musician singing and busking, and I always toss some $ in his guitar case. Music is always good! It's also worth mentioning that it is still early here in northern New England, so those offering harvested produce will doubtless put in a stronger appearance later in the season.
I am looking forward to another farmers market visit later this week for more pasture-raised lamb, potatoes from the booth "next door," another loaf of locally made bread, more doggie treats, and then to the supermarket for the organic produce and dairy they do offer. Here's a photo of organic supermarket produce bought on my last trip, soaking in the vinegar bath - most not local, but yummy nonetheless.
