Market Farming

[Willie McKemie <mf AT austinfarm.org>]

On Sun, Jul 10, 2005 at 08:15:01AM -0400, Mike Hulbert - Anna Carter - 
Creation Soap wrote:
> The most successful farmers Markets I have seen allow all kinds of vendors
> to sell all kinds of food products whether they produce them or not in order
> to create a draw, once the crowds show up then they begin to restrict or
> "refine" the offerings to better highlight the farms in the area.

In practice, just the opposite happens: peddlers hold increasing sway 
over the market; the longer they stay, the more difficult it becomes 
to eject them.  Likely, a market that allows peddlers starts well by 
attracting consumers with a good supply, then the consumers gradually 
become aware that they are not being offer local product by local 
producers, then the market declines and finally dies.  This may be a 
five or ten year process.  At least, that is my experience.

-- 
Willie, ONWARD!  Through the fog!
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