Farmer's Market Accountability

Typically speaking, Farmer's Markets have cornered the market on trustworthiness, accountability and a convenient quality rapport with their clientele. But we have to remember, that no matter what, people are people and there will always be one guy in the crowd that does something that seemingly negates all the hard work of his peers.

Such a thing does occasionally happen. This is why it's most important that one who frequents a Farmer's Market doesn't do so out of fashion; one does it to actually know the farmer. One does it as a method to vote for quality, accountable food with his dollar.

Early yesterday morning the Los Angeles Times reported a story about a Farmer's Market vendor who was bringing in produce from Mexico despite the rules of the market that all produce was to be local.

The article declares that, "The largest operator of Southern California farmers markets has protected a vendor who buys produce wholesale and misrepresents it as his own." If there was a graph that could relate the idea that often times "large = unaccountable" and "small = accountable" this would be another prime example. The accused is simply accused; nothing has been proven, but it does bring up a really valid point to discuss about accountability and truthfulness in the marketplace.

Business is business to a business-minded person. It's not difficult to see how eventually Farmer's Markets could fall prey to the same solely capitalist ideals to which major grocery stores have succumbed; after all, at one time box stores were small stores and small stores were once markets run by farmers.

This doesn't mean we stop frequenting Farmer's Markets, but what it does mean is that we need to be more active in our choice. Farmer's Markets are businesses, too, and they need to be marketed to survive in a competitive food environment.

But one can do more than just passively shop. Ask the vendors at the Farmer's Market if you can visit their farms. When dealing directly with the farmer, ask him about things that are important to you. For me, I would want to know how he conserves the soil, what practices he upholds to ensure proper water runoff that doesn't contaminate nearby fields, streams or lakes, what kind of machinery does he use, if any.

Better still, in areas like California where many local farms are large-scale production farms, ask the vendors if they are a stand-alone farm or if they are a subsidiary of a corporate farm. This can help you make a better decision about who and what you are supporting.

The point is to be clear and direct. Any trustworthy farmer will have no problems providing answers about why and how he does what he does. In fact, he'd probably enjoy talking about it. Your dollars make a difference in the way all businesses respond, especially in markets where the clientele is known to be a bit more critical, like Farmer's Markets.