Aug
27
Written by:
Karen Diperi
Saturday, August 27, 2011
As farmers’ markets are sprouting up across the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut areas, many farmers are complaining that there is too much competition -- causing a decrease in sales. While our local farms are working hard to provide farm-to-table produce, there are other markets already selling the goods they are working hard to prepare. Several farmers are even going as far to say their business at farmers’ markets is half what it was five years ago.
Nationwide, the number of farmers’ markets has jumped to 7,175 as of Aug. 5; of those, 1,043 were established this year, according to the federal Agriculture Department.
Just as Starbucks are popping up on every corner, farmers’ markets are being held at almost every local park and community center. (It’s hard to compete.) Dale Davis, the owner of Stony Hill Gardens and Farm Market in Chester, N.J., told The New York Times that he cut three New Jersey markets this year because sales were down and the extra travel crimped his profit, and he blames a spate of new suburban markets.
These healthful food markets have also expanded into more of a flea market scene. Where there was once a few booths of fresh fruits and vegetables to purchase, now there are earrings, clothes and artwork for sale. Are these really farmer’s products?
An over abundance of freshly farmed produce may not be such a terrible issue. However, keeping our local farmers in business could become a concern. Try sticking with your local farms instead of visiting farmer’s markets in other towns. Farmers rely on the support of their communities to help keep them running and continue to generate quality produce.