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36 Comments
Ttrockwood
May 20, 2017
I live in NYC and occasionally shop the union square farmers market- and yes i get the value/fresh/quality/fair wage/etc but if i took $20 to the farmers market and $20 to Fairway to buy the same items i leave Fairway with enough produce to last me 2-3 days and i leave the farmer market with enough to last me 1/2 days.
I'm gkad the markets take EBT but I'm certainly not using EBT or WIC and i'm not wealthy- so for those of us in between who have a comfortable food budget but still a budget nonetheless the NYC farmers markets are not a regular stop for more than a few bunches of greens (which are a good value there) or some corn once it's in season.
Last summer at the height of tomato season a pound of local tomatoes conventionally grown was still about $4!
Suburban markets are a totally different story and often are a great deal and absolutely worth it. But union square market is certainly not somewhere i can shop often.
I'm gkad the markets take EBT but I'm certainly not using EBT or WIC and i'm not wealthy- so for those of us in between who have a comfortable food budget but still a budget nonetheless the NYC farmers markets are not a regular stop for more than a few bunches of greens (which are a good value there) or some corn once it's in season.
Last summer at the height of tomato season a pound of local tomatoes conventionally grown was still about $4!
Suburban markets are a totally different story and often are a great deal and absolutely worth it. But union square market is certainly not somewhere i can shop often.
Sandy
May 19, 2017
WE are a small own of 5000 and have 2 Farmers Markets. One is with a farm to table store the other is a state started farmers market of at least 20 years. I attend both and love buying fresh , picked that day produce. I believe we start the first Saturday of June with rhubarb, asparagus- spring stuff. I do love the farmers market.
Jennifer
May 19, 2017
"No one is going to correct you if you say that the farmers market is an expensive place to shop." Wrong--I'll correct you. This is true if your idea of a farmers market is Union Square (there, I would largely agree with the analysis in the article). I live in Syracuse and shop at our Regional Market and other local farmers markets. The Regional Market has existed since the 1930s (I think it was a WPA project). It is cheap, cheap, cheap. Yes, we do allow wholesalers, but we also have all sorts of local growers, some organic, some not, but ALL of it a great deal. Cheaper than stores, better quality, get to know the growers, buy enough and all of a sudden there's an extra bunch of asparagus dropped in your bag. It is the most integrated space in Syracuse, from immigrants (many refugees) to lower-income city residents (of all races and ethnicities) to university professors to hipsters & foodies (many of these categories overlap in interesting ways). Overall I agree with the analysis in this article, but I really resent any article that leads with the incorrect and damaging meme that farmers markets are (necessarily, universally, almost always) pricey places to shop. It keeps away folks who would otherwise learn to love those funny-colored carrots with greens attached. (And having said that--I'll eat anything green, but carrot greens are among the least tasty out there.)
fsamis
May 18, 2017
Whoa! Okay. First of all I'm a very small grower and I take my produce to market weekly. IF you care about local foods and local agriculture then YES! Farmers markets are worth it! Here in Hawaii there are totally farm stands that are just peddling produce shipped from the mainland (usually seconds hence why those stands are cheaper). BUT, local small farmers like to have a presence at the markets, it grows connection and community, puts a face behind the food. Generally, the prices at market (for local organic) are the same as the coop across from my house. And of course farm stands are more expensive than Safeway, Trader Joe's and other large chains, their overhead is less and they can buy in larger quantities. Market also allows us to offer specialty or unconventional items that grocers aren't often willing to stock and that market patrons might be more curious and adventurous to try. Example this week I am offering Green Coriander (Cilantro) bunches. Reading other comments I am sad to see that vendors don't take quality seriously :( I would never put a product in our stand that I wouldn't eat myself (maybe my day job in quality assurance is showing). And if you're unsure ask for samples. In my home state in peach and melon growers often have little samples cut in front of the varieties or you can just ask and they are usually really happy to slice something up.
Additionally increasing Food Safety regulations and wholesaler demands, make it difficult and costly for small producers to sell to larger corporations-- which does not at all mean that farmers market produce is less safe, that article in the NYT was infuriating. I think farmers market is also a personal preference, some people like that adventure of looking through all the stalls and exploring. I on the other hand hate shopping and usually am IN and OUT. Anyways support local growers!!!
Additionally increasing Food Safety regulations and wholesaler demands, make it difficult and costly for small producers to sell to larger corporations-- which does not at all mean that farmers market produce is less safe, that article in the NYT was infuriating. I think farmers market is also a personal preference, some people like that adventure of looking through all the stalls and exploring. I on the other hand hate shopping and usually am IN and OUT. Anyways support local growers!!!
BRN
July 4, 2016
cosmicook, your comments are sad. Shame on the managers of the markets where people are buying from wholesalers that they don't know that. While we allow farmers to bring some produce from other farmers, they are buying from local farmers, and they must put on their signs that the produce isn't theirs. I have found that sometimes melons other than watermelons don't have much flavor. I think it might have to do with how much water they get. The corn that we have here in New England (I'm in Massachusetts) is excellent. There are many varieties, so one variety from one farmer might be different than from another. All produce varies, so what you buy from the grocery store might be tasteless as well. I do find that my farmers' market produce lasts longer than grocery store produce. But, I'm buying directly from the farm that grows it. I remember one time MANY years ago buying a yellow corn that was named 199. I asked my husband how he liked it and he said, "Moooo." I never bought that kind again. Since then many new varieties of sweet corn have been developed, so most of it is sweet. Up here silver queen is always white. In the future, if you get a tasteless melon no matter where from, make it into a fruit salad and add some raspberry or strawberry syrup. You can find the syrup different places. It's good to keep on hand. Really jazzes up a fruit salad.
cosmiccook
July 4, 2016
While visiting friends in Mobile, Al. we went to their Saturday Farmers Market. I bought melons from different vendors that were not only pricey but HORRIBLY lacking in taste. My friend and I sought out and purchased SILVER QUEEN corn from 2 different vendors. She said hers was the quality of cattle feed. While our corn was very sweet--it did NOT have the appearance of color or kernels of Silver Queen/King we've bought for the past 20 years. Ironically I also had hoped to get Chilton County (Ala. county) peaches at the market but none were to be found. There is a Chilton County vendor that comes to New Orleans 3 times a week so I bought from them. They are pricey (buck a peach) and the peaches can be hit or miss. This last purchase they were AWESOME.. I've found most farmers market produce does NOT last as long as supermarket produce and flavor wise can be a gamble as well. Also we have a Restaurant Depot in NOLA and I found (by asking) many produce vendors buy their products there and pass off as "farmer" products. Sad. You have to know your farmers.
BRN
July 4, 2016
Me again. I think that there are many produce items that are raised conventionally, but do not have any pesticides on them. We have one certified organic farmer at the market that I manage, and one that is chemical free, but not certified (he's too small to make it worth his while.) At one conventional stand the spinach is $3 a pound, at the certified stand, it's $10-12. But, interestingly enough, the organic stand (large) does better than any other stand at our market. The stuff is beautiful, but I'm not sure that some shoppers are doing their due diligence, and walking around to see who has what before they shop. Especially those who don't care if something is organic.
Sandy
July 4, 2016
WE are a very small town less than 6000 people in a rural area 200 miles from a town of 50,000 people or more. We have 2 Farmers Markets one on Friday which is a state sponsored event and cost 50 cents to participate. The money for an ad in the local paper. About 10-12 vendors in the peak season. The vendors are not professional growers but mostly the produce they offer are extras from their gardens . The bell goes off at 10 am and then the buying begins. Most vendors are finished in 30 minutes. They have wonderful things; peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, herbs, and so much more. The other market is Saturday from 9-12 and run like a regular market. I think our Extention agent started this one. They also have lots of produce but also people selling handmade items , jellies, fry bread, ect. We will also have fruit trucks come in and sell peaches, pears, ect. I love the farmers market I do not mine paying a higher price as I know it was grown within 20 miles of where I live, it is fresh, and I can see the joy on the producers face doing what he or she loves to do when you compliment their wares.
BRN
May 30, 2016
Another comment about shopping at markets. When my grandson was 5 I brought him to my house and gave him a peach that I had purchased at the farmers' market 2 days previously. When I brought his brother to my house a few hours later (he was 8) I offered him a peach. He didn't want one, and the 5 year old said, "Alex, you should really have one. You can smell the inside from the outside." That, my friends, is the essence of farmers' markets/farm stands and buying local. Alas, we will have almost no peaches in New England this summer due to the extreme cold that we had for several days in February. It killed most of the buds.
turnit
May 30, 2016
I miss the Union Sq Market. Once had the pleasure of being drafted by Tim Stark of Eckerton Farm to throw together flats of peppers because one of his guys didn't show up. A friend from Brooklyn I had a blast watching big name chefs schmoozing with him, begging for whatever he recommended. I would do it anytime for free, it wasn't work.. I didn't ask for anything from him because he was a friend but he gave me a few bucks for well deserved and needed beers.
In Florida, now, I frequent farmer's markets and stands in Sarasota and Bradenton. They are always fun. NYC is always the best, though.
Very good article, thank you.
In Florida, now, I frequent farmer's markets and stands in Sarasota and Bradenton. They are always fun. NYC is always the best, though.
Very good article, thank you.
BRN
May 28, 2016
I manage a farmers' market in Massachusetts, not Boston. We have organic, chemical free, but not certified organic, and conventional. The organic farm is consistently the most pricey. The other day their bunch of asparagus was half the size of the conventionally grown asparagus (no chemicals, not organic soil) and it cost 50 cents more. If buying organic is that important to someone, fine, but otherwise any customer should shop around and see who has what before they shop. If someone complains about the prices at the market, I always tell them that they are confusing price and value. What is purchased (produce in particular) will be fresh for a long time. As far as the other items, dairy, meat, poultry, etc. they are pricier than the grocery stores although the grass-fed hamburger at one of my local stores was more than at the market. I think we should all cook from scratch, and make our money go farther. I also say that small production farming is more expensive for the farmer, AND I also say that the money they spend at our market stays locally which helps our economy.
Kate
May 23, 2016
Ask for seconds, the misshapen, slightly bruised that farmers either don't want to go home with or left behind. Ask them to prepare a box for you to pick up the next week. For farmers, selling at half the price is better than tossing it in the compost pile. Win win for everyone, including the planet.
scruz
May 22, 2016
i am not typically a consumer of organic food but do like some of the specialty items to be found at my certified organic farmer's market in central coast california. being close to where it is grown, it is shocking how expensive much of it can be so the article's discussion of costs was interesting and explained a lot. i have narrowed down what i will buy at my f.m. to specialty items (interesting mushrooms and they are $3 cheaper per lb. than local organic market, used for mushroom lasagna a couple of times a year), some occasional herbs for special dishes and romaine lettuce at this time of year. the romaine can be huge and is maybe a third of the cost at the local organic market. i don't go too often and really limit my purchases to a couple of growers and since it is so busy it is hard to strike up any kind of relationship with the sellers. i do like and support what they are doing but my dollars need to go further and i fortunately have a great local small supermarket to go to. i am very jealous, however, at the beautiful and cheap produce to be found in china town s.f. at the markets found there. i love wandering through and seeing incredibly fresh bok choi and mushrooms.
ads
May 22, 2016
Farmer's markets in Chicago are unfortunately unreasonably priced and are weekend events for the well to do. Union Square market in NYC has always consistently offered premium produce for - reasonable (not cheap but reasonable) and the markets i've been to in SoCal - Santa Monica and Hollywood are bargains offering great produce - I do not expect current prices to be the same 15 years ago - so they have been good deals all those years. and the markets in Paris - the best quality for the best prices the freshest, most vibrant produce one can get
klrcon
May 21, 2016
I've been shopping farmer's markets for 20+ years in a lot of different states and I think it really, really varies quite a bit based on location. So while I'm sure that this article is well-reported and accurate, I'm not sure it applies everywhere. Here in the Boston area I find that shopping at farmer's markets in less well-to-do neighborhoods is a pretty good deal - often cheaper or on par with the supermarket but SO much fresher and better quality for produce. In recent years a lot of new markets have sprung up in the better off neighborhoods but I stay away from those - they're wildly over-priced. And I only buy protein at the farmer's market when I'm flush or deliberately treating myself - the product is great quality but I'd go bankrupt if I did that too often.
The markets here are only open six months a year but my food budget does go down in those six months (I eat a lot of produce) so I think they're a pretty good deal overall, if you know how to shop the market. On the other hand, everything is relative. I lived in Arkansas for a while and I used to get the most glorious summer tomatoes for 50 cents a pound at the local farmer's market there - I have to say, I miss that! But that market had nothing in common with the kind of yuppie markets you find in the cities - it was held in a parking garage and farmer's would just drive in and sell off the back of a truck. And almost every week I would be the only white face there and some nice older lady would inevitably ask me if I was lost.
In general, my experience is you have to shop around for the best markets to patronize and also shop around within the market for the best quality/ prices at different vendors (because yes, some vendors aren't selling stuff that's really all that great) but if you do that, you can usually come away with some bargains and certainly better value for what you're paying than you would get at the supermarket. That's been true everywhere I've lived except the suburbs of New York where the stuff was universally over-priced and the quality no different than what you get at the supermarket. (I think the good stuff gets shipped into the city where it commands a premium, as the article mentioned.)
The markets here are only open six months a year but my food budget does go down in those six months (I eat a lot of produce) so I think they're a pretty good deal overall, if you know how to shop the market. On the other hand, everything is relative. I lived in Arkansas for a while and I used to get the most glorious summer tomatoes for 50 cents a pound at the local farmer's market there - I have to say, I miss that! But that market had nothing in common with the kind of yuppie markets you find in the cities - it was held in a parking garage and farmer's would just drive in and sell off the back of a truck. And almost every week I would be the only white face there and some nice older lady would inevitably ask me if I was lost.
In general, my experience is you have to shop around for the best markets to patronize and also shop around within the market for the best quality/ prices at different vendors (because yes, some vendors aren't selling stuff that's really all that great) but if you do that, you can usually come away with some bargains and certainly better value for what you're paying than you would get at the supermarket. That's been true everywhere I've lived except the suburbs of New York where the stuff was universally over-priced and the quality no different than what you get at the supermarket. (I think the good stuff gets shipped into the city where it commands a premium, as the article mentioned.)
Smaug
May 21, 2016
4I'd like to think that produce pricing in supermarkets is better in other parts of the country, but I doubt it. Here in Northern California, the dominant supermarket is Safeway- now owned by Albertson's- and their produce pricing is out of control- common items such as onions and potatoes are apt to cost 2 or 3 times what they do in produce stands, and even "produce supermarkets" such as Sprouts. And the quality is atrocious- everything LOOKS good, but you will NEVER get a good, or even decent, tomato or strawberry, stone fruits are picked so green they have no chance of ever really ripening,herbs and such are treated as gourmet items and prices are over the moon ( $2 for a bunch of cilantro?). On top of this, things are more and more sold prepackaged- you can't buy less than 2 lbs. of cherries at a time, etc. etc.
Cindy F.
May 21, 2016
I live in a small town in Colorado, and the farmers market opened this weekend. There were no produce stands except one. When you look at the produce, they still had stickers on them like in the grocery stores. I guess they all come from the same place. Sad.
anotherfoodieblogger
May 21, 2016
I live in a small city in the middle of Oregon, and our farmer's market is only open from June 1 through mid-October, so shopping at a farmer's market year round for produce is not an option. I'm not sure if you took location into account. Great article, nonetheless!
Margit V.
May 21, 2016
Thank you for this thoughtful post. In trying to eat as well as possible on a tight budget, any available bargains at farmers' markets are greatly appreciated. But, there's no way that I could manage without my small garden! Even a garden the size of a twin bed can produce veggies, herbs, and flowers to significantly increase my well-being---,so, if possible, I highly recommend such a project. I LOVE farmers' markets! Just cannot afford to rely on that as my primary source.
ChefJune
May 21, 2016
Great article, Caroline. I've been shopping at the Union Square Greenmarket for 22 years, and I find it more economical than conventional grocery stores, not to mention more healthful. The produce keeps better and is fresher than what is offered in grocery stores (no warehouse intervention) and I love that the farmers can tell me what they've fed their animals! The meat may cost more on the surface, but it has better flavor and more heft than traditionally raised meat.
Maybe if Americans were more concerned with the quality of their food than the price we would be a healthier nation.
Maybe if Americans were more concerned with the quality of their food than the price we would be a healthier nation.
ads
May 22, 2016
AS what a yogi friend shared with me - pay for good quality food every day - yes it will cost A LITTLE BIT MORE - or pay for your medication and hospital bills later - but always keep in mind - higher prices do not necessarily mean higher quality - so buyer beware - always!! Be concerned with the quality AND the price!!
Peter H.
May 21, 2016
Thanks for writing this. I thinks it's important to mention the growing use of federal Market Match funds that double customers SNAP benefits and add an additional stream of revenue for farmers who struggle to make a decent living.
It's also important for people to know that Americans spend a lower percentage of their income on food than any other developed country, so maybe, with a little bit of prioritizing, we can all afford the true cost of food. No need to spend money on material goods when food on the table and a roof over the head are essential.
Finally, I wish this article would have touched on why some foods are so artificially affordable based on federal subsidies that arbitrarily drive down the cost of food.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Farm Bill prioritized subsidies for small growers that steward the land and their communities as opposed to massive, monocropping commodity growers that get an allowance from the government if they don't do their job right?
Thanks for telling these stories. Keep up the good work.
It's also important for people to know that Americans spend a lower percentage of their income on food than any other developed country, so maybe, with a little bit of prioritizing, we can all afford the true cost of food. No need to spend money on material goods when food on the table and a roof over the head are essential.
Finally, I wish this article would have touched on why some foods are so artificially affordable based on federal subsidies that arbitrarily drive down the cost of food.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Farm Bill prioritized subsidies for small growers that steward the land and their communities as opposed to massive, monocropping commodity growers that get an allowance from the government if they don't do their job right?
Thanks for telling these stories. Keep up the good work.
Sara
May 21, 2016
I generally purchase produce from my local Farmer's Market rather than the store these days. With so many recalls, it just seems safer. I know that my money is going directly to the farmer. His/Her cost of production to keep their farm going. The premise of purchasing local organic is that, yes, its more expensive, but that also should mean less trips to the Dr. Better health. Yes at times we're pretty strapped for cash, just like everyone else in this day and age, but, for a family of 4, we can purchase all that we need for a week for around 20.00/25.00. Most homes in Europe have tiny fridges and they shop several times a week for fresh produce. As Americans, we have large fridges and think in terms of shopping when we are paid, to last until the next time we're paid. Thankfully I live in an area that we have a Farmer's Market every single day of the week, somewhere. Time is always the essence here in the States. Shopping several times a week isn't always possible with the busy lives we all have.
I loved the article, keep us up to date!
I loved the article, keep us up to date!
cookinalong
May 20, 2016
This is an interesting article and I don't doubt for a moment that the writer's facts are accurate. But it comes down to cold hard cash for consumers as well as farmers. I get that farmers have to make a living, and I don't begrudge them that. It's a tough way to make a living. But I cannot afford boutique food prices. I know it's probably better, I bet the people working the farm make more money, etc., & all that good stuff. And I am aware of how important that is. But I have a limited amt. of $$ to spend on food. I've not had steady work for nearly 3 years and my health insurance just went up to $550 per month. Add that to the cost of living in NY, and the fact is I go for the cheaper carrots every time. We splurge for Thankgiving, family birthdays, etc. and generally buy the best we can afford. I just wish every discussion about farmer's markets didn't have this air of virtuous superiority about it. Pet peeve: people who share recipes & cannot resist dropping in the remark "I added some gorgeous heirloom tomatoes I found at the Farmer's market" "Or we got so much eggplant in our CSA box this week I just don't know what to do with it".
Kate
May 20, 2016
As someone who has been on both sides of the stand—as both a farmer and a producer—I so appreciated how thoughtful this article is. Thank you Caroline for truly digging in deep!
btglenn
May 20, 2016
I occasionally shop at the Santa Monica CA farmers market, and see price differences for similar produce throughout the stands. With careful shopping, I can buy some produce at prices I can afford. For many lower income folks, like myself, the farmers markets are completely unaffordable regardless of all the good things and complex explanations for cost of farming, and additional nutrition. What the writer does not know is that the Santa Monica Farmers Market, one of the first started in the country years ago, was implemented to provide food at reasonable prices for low income residents and the senior population while helping local farmers to sell directly to the buyers, without dealing price-wise with produce brokers and other middle buyers and sellers before reaching the supermarket. Through the ensuing 15 years, our farmers markets have become boutique venues supporting a higher income level of shoppers. Retirees and lower income families no longer shop at a market that was originally created to provide good food at lower costs while providing farmers to profit by selling direct to consumers!
702551
May 20, 2016
If you go to a farmers market in the last hour, some of the vendors will start slashing prices, so some bargains can be had although their offerings may have been picked rather well by earlier customers.
This tactic does not work for many stands where the prime products sell quickly due to limited inventory: meat, fish, poultry, baked goods, certain fruit and veggies.
One stand sells sort-outs (bruised, blemished, ugly produce) at $0.60/lb. During tomato season, some stands sell discounted overripe tomatoes.
Patronizing the same stand for a long time will sometimes result in discounted items. Of course, there's no way to know who is going to offer that to you.
My mindset about farmers markets is that you can get higher quality items than what you can find at the grocery store, but at a higher price, as well as items that you cannot find at even a well-appointed grocer.
My area's local farmers markets have done a fabulous job in expanding the availability of really high quality produce that was only available in a handful of restaurants 25-30 years ago.
This tactic does not work for many stands where the prime products sell quickly due to limited inventory: meat, fish, poultry, baked goods, certain fruit and veggies.
One stand sells sort-outs (bruised, blemished, ugly produce) at $0.60/lb. During tomato season, some stands sell discounted overripe tomatoes.
Patronizing the same stand for a long time will sometimes result in discounted items. Of course, there's no way to know who is going to offer that to you.
My mindset about farmers markets is that you can get higher quality items than what you can find at the grocery store, but at a higher price, as well as items that you cannot find at even a well-appointed grocer.
My area's local farmers markets have done a fabulous job in expanding the availability of really high quality produce that was only available in a handful of restaurants 25-30 years ago.
Sean R.
May 20, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this article! You've done a nice job of describing all these layers of agriculture and vending that contribute to the final price of produce. I think it really humanizes the farmers. It can be a hard conversation, to look a vendor in the eye and ask, "Why is this so expensive?", which is such a naturally aggressive question. I've always wondered, but never knew how to phrase the question, much less get up the gumption to interrogate a tired, cold stranger. Thanks, Caroline. :)
Tatyana F.
May 20, 2016
I wrote a piece on the same subject. I offer tips on shopping the market on a budget as well as discussing some trends in food blogging. http://withagrainofsalt.co/blog/2015/4/17/on-privilege-and-the-farmers-market
Sean R.
May 20, 2016
Nice discussion on privilege in food blogging, Tatyana! The common assumption of wealth and access to food has always bugged me, but you've characterized it perfectly. I'll post my comment on your blog.... Thanks for sharing! Imma go comb through the rest of your writing. ;)
NotTooSweet
May 20, 2016
I second Sean's thank you Tatyana! The Food52 article is great and I'm interested in this subject so I read your piece too and found lots of great insight and information I needed to have. I am SO grateful to have the opportunity and the means to purchase organic, fresh veggies, fruit, eggs, etc. It is a privilege and I definitely needed the reminder. Thanks!
amysarah
May 22, 2016
Excellent piece, Tatyana. I so agree that choice in this regard is simply not an option in many cases, due to economic/geographic limitations. Maddening how often the concept of privilege gets lost in the dialogue. I also love your comments on "bartering" with farmers/vendors - spot on (and very amusing)!
Taste O.
May 20, 2016
The farmer's markets in France, aside from Paris at least, are considerably cheaper yet have better quality produce than supermarkets.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.