The Dirt on French Farmer's Markets

Farmers markets are changing, and this time, we’re not just talking about in the influx of new, seasonal veggies.

EcoSalon reports on how France’s farmer’s markets, like those in the US, are slowly losing the community of farmers who bring their own produce to market. What’s happening instead? To save on cost and meet demand, farmers have begun to resell wholesale food - instead of the asparagus, leeks and carrots they grew themselves - at their booths.

There are a few reasons for the amount of small producers going the way of ramps in June; namely, the price of land and the lack of desire for younger generations to take over family farms. As the article puts it, hoes are being hung up, never to be taken down.

They key to navigating these markets taken over by airbrushed, wholesale food? Our favorite tip is to look for the dirt. If you have to dust off your peach before eating it, chances are it’s one of your most local options.

The Decline of the French Farmer’s Market from EcoSalon