Farmers Markets – Friend or Foe?
Do you shop at your local farmers market or fear it?
Every year I look forward to the opening of the farmers markets in our Seattle community. I am particularly excited about the opening of the Magnolia Farmers Market this Saturday, June 18th since there was so much uncertainty about whether the market would continue.
You see, I work at a shop right by that market. That same market has inspired many weekend meals at our table based on the farm fresh food I buy there. Our lives are richer for those experiences at the table.
As the opening of the Magnolia Farmers Market nears, we excitedly tell our customers at the shop about its approach on a regular basis. Yet, much to my surprise, our cheerful comments are often met with reproach. Comments include:
“Seattle has too many farmers markets.”
“The farmers market charges us too much for food.”
“The market is moving to the Village? What about parking?”
“Not on my watch!”
Are There Too Many Farmers Markets?
Too many farmers markets? What that sounds like in my head is, “there’s too much fresh food out there!” I just don’t get it. Why aren’t we more concerned about the proliferation of processed and fast food in our country?
Does the Farmers Market Over Charge?
I often hear people say that the farmers market charges too much for food. When I hear this statement directly following the comment about there being too many markets, I sense that economic principles aren’t being considered. Maybe I have forgotten a thing or two from Econ 101, but isn’t competition supposed to be good for helping drive prices down?
Based on my own experience, I have found that shopping at the farmers market is not more expensive than shopping at the grocery store. For example, the last time I purchased fresh herbs at my neighborhood farmers market, I paid $1.00 for a big beautiful bunch. I have yet to be charged as little as $1.00 at my local grocery store for fresh herbs. Incidentally, the bunch from the farmers market comes without packaging so is also gentler on the environment.
The Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance confirms my experience, but wouldn’t be surprised if any disbeliever won’t consider them a viable source. So, perhaps the Seattle Times article documenting the findings of a business statistics class study will help. Or the post by Barry Estabrook discussing a study that compares farmers market prices to supermarket prices. By all accounts, the farmers markets are less expensive.
What About the Parking?
With regard to the parking dilemma, I am optimistic that it will work out. Since the Magnolia market is smaller this year (vendors had to be eliminated due to lack of cooperation from neighboring residents), I believe we’re only talking about a block of parking being unavailable.
What About Values?
I wonder if those who are so vehemently opposed to having the farmers market in their neighborhood have considered their property values? Having the Farmers Market in the Magnolia Village means that people are more likely to come through the doors of the local businesses. During this tough economic time, that is critical. Without customers, businesses shut their doors. When that happens, property values diminish. As such, our neighborhood farmers markets not only nourish our bodies, they nourish our communities.
Or is there some notion that those of us shopping at the farmers market are a bunch of rowdy drunkards terrorizing the neighborhood while we purchase our veggies? I had never considered that may be a widely held belief.
I for one am grateful to the people of the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance for their tireless efforts in helping our local communities retain their neighborhood markets. It seems I’m not the only one – just check out the blogs Cooklocal, Salt on the Table, and Planted at Home.
You’ve kindly listened to what I have to say. Now, what do you think – are farmers markets our friends or enemies?
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Tags: Magnolia farmers market
June 17th, 2011 at 8:51 am
Thank you so much for this thoughtful examination of the value of what I consider to be a precious commodity. Working, growing and eating from home I find I get a bit cloistered… a bit of a freelance shut-in if you will.
My Sunday morning excursions to the West Seattle Farmers market are a breath of fresh air, community and some very good food. As we wander the small market we always run into a least a couple of other friends – some from the very distant past providing an occasion to catch up on each others busy lives. On more than one occasion these encounters have ended up in a spontaneous invitation taking a chance meeting to the next level over a shared meal.
The buzz in “the Junction” on Sundays is palpable as busy people jockey for parking, stand in line together, and visit. I truly believe the Farmers Market is the heart of it all… the rising tide that lifts all the shop keepers boats at least once a week. Lucky for us Westsiders – our market is year-round!
June 17th, 2011 at 10:22 am
Thank you for the lovely well spoken comment, Lorene!
July 8th, 2011 at 2:07 am
I first need to state that I used to work for the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance. I remember the early days of the Magnolia market. Controversy has surrounded the Magnolia market since the beginning. It all depends on what it is that you value. Nutrition, price, community, quality price ration QPR, convenience, health, sustainability and profit impact the politics of farmers markets as much as our other economic and health issues.
It is true that somethings in the Farmers’ markets are more expensive. Compare fresh shelled peas from the market with a bag of frozen peas from the grocer. The monetary price is only one difference between the two. On the other hand, items like berries and bunches of herbs are much less expensive sans their packaging and transportation expenses in the mass markets. But is that so different from shopping at two different grocery stores. Somethings are cheaper at my Fred Meyers and others are cheaper at the Safeway a mile away. Price isn’t the only factor that determines which store I shop, the same factors apply to choosing to shop the grocer or the farmers market.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Wasn’t sure if you had see the pictorial from yesterday’s market but I wanted to share it with your readers
http://www.magnoliavoice.com/2011/07/09/new-location-and-sun-a-boost-for-farmers-market/
It shows vibrance, color and community PLUS it makes me nostalgic looking at pictures of Willie Green’s carrots.
July 10th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Very nice! I’m so pleased the market is doing well.