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  • From: idyllwild farm <idyllwildfarm AT gmail.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Disappointing Phoenix farmers markets
  • Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:56:51 -0500

This Fall, I put out a small sign, maybe 3in X 4in, that simply stated that we grow what we sell. 
The customer reaction was interesting; many observed that if I was saying that, there must be
"growers" who didn't. I didn't get into big discussions about it or finger anyone (most of the customers,
once it was pointed out there was a sell what you bought contingent, guessed on their own). Point
made. The challenge for me was articulating my suspicions using facts, not feelings.

However, what if it turns out that most of the people who attend my market don't care if they're buying
from the grower or want to be able to buy just about anything once a week in their neighborhood? 
Then, it's incumbent on me to make sure the people who want it know that I've got it or if necessary 
leave an established market that's a free for all for better pastures- or a market that requires labeling at a minimum.

To me, this discussion applies to how vendors handle the organic or sustainable question at markets
when they imply NOP compliance or shades of NOP compliance without evidence. What is fascinating 
to me is how the most strident consumer advocate suspends disbelief at farmers markets. It is also hilarious
that the people who run the market who let vendors mislead customers trust those same vendors to give
them a reliable sales figure to base their market fee...
Regards,
Mike
Idyllwild Farm



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