Matt and I were in the greenhouse recently discussing how to start off our 2021 blog series. As we were talking, we began discussing the top 5 questions we get asked during the market season. After some deliberation we agreed that in the beginning of our season we get asked, why we don’t sell at our hometown farmers market?

Instead of simply answering the question we try to use this as an opportunity to possibly educate about producer only markets. We often ask a question(s) in return. Do you know what producer only farmers markets are? Did you know that not all farmers markets require the person selling at the market to produce or create what they are selling? We are often met with a puzzling look of confusion. Most of our customers have never thought about where the goods on vendor tables at farmers markets come from. I, just like many of our customers, have assumed that everything on a table at a farmers market is grown or created by the person selling it. This, unfortunately, is not true unless you attend a producer only farmers market.

As local farmers we take great pride in growing, baking and creating everything we sell. We work extremely hard to provide LOCAL, fresh produce and other goods to our customers. We also believe that the intent of a farmers market is for local farmers to sell their local goods and wares, not someone elses’.

Now, before I go any further I want to make a quick note about my last statement, as there are exceptions to some vendors selling someone else’s items. The first being farmers that hire someone to sell their items at the farmers market as the farmer is needed on the farm. The next being, a producer only farmers market making exceptions for vendors to come in with products not belonging to them to fill a void at the market. I have seen this with dairy items many times. The market will still require some due diligence, but will make exceptions to allow a variety of choices for market customers

Producer ONLY farmers markets have a board of directors that create rules to be followed by the market manager, vendors and etc. These rules require that vendors have their farm, bakery or home inspected regularly by a committee to ensure what they are selling at the market they grow, bake or create. Vendors are also required to reside within a certain mileage to create only local options to customers.

Non-producers farmers markets are markets that allow goods to be sold that are not grown or created by the seller. There is usually little oversight regarding what you bring. Typically, but not always these markets do not have a board of directors to create rules and often, but not always, do not have a market manager. Vendors can buy produce or goods from someone or someplace else and then bring them to a market and re-sell them. You might be thinking, can that possibly be profitable? The answer is, yes.

An example of reselling items would be purchasing large quantities of produce from a produce auction and then taking your purchases to a farmers market and selling this produce at a higher price point. Now, before I go any further, is there anything wrong with this….. the answer is no. Is the produce bad…. the answer is again no. I have purchased produce from farmers markets where produce is sold by a third party and I haven’t been disappointed.

Where we, as local farmers, have an issue with this falls under more of an ethical heading and maintaining the spirit of what a farmers market is for. When I go to a farmers market, I go with the intent of supporting a local farmer or creator. Someone who has spent hours upon hours choosing seeds, potting mix, perfecting planting schedules, battling weather and pests and still showing up with produce. This same farmer is handling their own marketing through websites, social media, signage, online stores and blogs. They are also fielding phone calls, creating logos and eye catching market table set-ups, attending continuing education conferences to make their farm and products better, all while following federal, state and local rules placed upon them.

Painstakingly seeding carrots by hand before our seeder purchase.

This farmer is the one who can talk to me about the variety of tomato they are selling and give me more information than I expected all while being excited about it! I don’t know about you, but I want that farmer. I want to support the farmer who is putting in the work to run every aspect of the business and still be excited about it. That’s the point of a farmers market, right? To connect with your local food and farmer.

On a final note, I want to mention again, there is nothing wrong with buying a product from a non-producer market as long as you the customer, is informed of what you are purchasing and who or what you are supporting. If your intent is to support local business, then by all means purchase away! If your intent is to connect with your farmer, inform yourself and ask questions. You’ll find who you’re looking for pretty fast!

Why We Only Sell At Producer ONLY Farmers Markets

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