Connecticut, farmer's markets, farms, locavore

2010 Farmers Markets

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The 2010 Summer Farmers Market season is starting to swing! Several markets are already opening, and within the next month, the rest will follow suit. Here’s a directory of sorts, highlighting the markets in my near circle, far circle, and some links to more market information so you can draw your own circles. I also give a bit of advice about markets.

Markets in my near circle that I frequent regularly:

Markets in my far circle, compelling enough to make the trek periodically:

Directories, maps, and listings for even more Farmers Markets:

Market Advice

Farmers markets are an excellent way to know your farmer and know your food. Realize that not every vendor selling food at the market is a farmer.

Sometimes farmers send friends and family members in their place, particularly when a small family farm has to cover several markets on a Saturday. Sometimes farmers partner with other farmers for the same reassons. Often, these proxies won’t be able to answer your questions (regarding varieties, how to cook something, how it was grown). Still, the products are local.

Other vendors are really only produce dealers, who buy wholesale and sell at the farmers markets for the better return. The food they sell may not be local to your region. It might not even be from your country! The produce dealers compete against the real local farmers for your dollars.

You may willing to purchase an item regardless of its origin or growing style. Even some local foodie purists are willing to make exceptions for some reason or another. Since you are paying a premium when you shop at a farmers market, the minimum you should be given for your premium is the truth so you can make your own informed decisions. Otherwise, there’s no difference between the farmers market and Stop & Shop. Ask the vendors to label their offerings.

How can you tell the difference between a produce dealer and a real farm? It’s not always easy.

  • Ask specific questions about growing practices and varieties. It’s not a guaranteed method, because, as mentioned, the booth could be staffed by a farmer’s proxy. Still, a real farmer will be able to answer questions about farming practices in great detail. In fact, they will be enthusiastic! If the vendor rolls their eyeballs at your questions, move on!
  • Consider their offerings. Are there items out-of-season for your region? Are they selling items that don’t even grow in your region? Are their items vastly different from most of the other vendors?
  • Ask the market master. Some markets have rules for product origin.

If you are not satisfied with the interaction or are feeling uncomfortable about a particular vendor, move on. You are under no obligation to buy from anyone simply because they have a booth at the market. Much of the local food movement is built on trust and it makes no sense to reward those who don’t honor it.

Why can’t everyone be like John Holbrook? His farm stand offers a variety of products in addition to his own produce. Practically everything in his farm stand is labeled with information such as: conventionally grown, organic, the name of the farm, and whatever other information may be of value to a consumer. If you have a question and he doesn’t readily know the answer (rare, but it happens), he says he’ll look into it. And he does! Sure enough, next time you walk in, he has your answer. Often, he makes the phone call on the spot. Granted, Holbrook’s is not a Farmers Market. It is his farm stand, bearing his name.

5 thoughts on “2010 Farmers Markets”

  1. Hey Sophie!
    The Bethel Market is opening early this year, June 26th! Be sure to stop by and say hi to Andrew and Di at the Goatboy booth!

  3. Hey, this is a great listing – thanks! I’ve gotten some great growing tips at farmer’s markets. I always look for the people with the sunburns and dirty fingernails to ask!

  4. Deb, thanks for your interest and support in local farming – people like you keep us going (and growing!) John Holbrook

    p.s. Lynn, Carol, Barbara, Susan in the farm stand, Pearl the chicken in the hen house all wonder why they didn’t deserve even a mention for their contribution to the ambiance, not to mention, good food inside the farm stand and bakery……..

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