loving this thread here and (most) everything in here! as a tiny ass farmer, that shit doesn’t surprise me. I’ll try to keep this comment specifically focused on an issue we’ve had with “farmer’s” markets:
used to sell at a couple of em before covid, since then, we only sell on-site at our little shop. one of the larger, better markets a few years back starting letting this distributor begin selling at market, masquerading as one of us. they even wore fucking shirts about promoting local blah blah. they weren’t from the area, they buy up bulk stuff (often not in season), then set it out in these pretty baskets like they just got done harvesting it that morning.
people would line up to buy their shit, while the 4-5 actually local ops that are honest and give a shit had to stand by and watch. tried to get the market organizer to care, of course they didn’t. but, hey, people can take pics of their brave treks to the Local Farmers Market to post on the socials, so they can hear how great they are at supporting small businesses.
if I sound bitter, it’s only because I kinda am 😂 carry on, love y’all who look below the surface and go out of your way to build community!
can I ask how you spend your days, that you’re able to find so many on the daily?
not doubting you, at all, just curious as to the frequency.