New labelling for farmers’ markets
There are said to be new plans in the works for accurate labelling at farmers’ markets, but let’s hope this isn’t just another bureaucratic ploy to make things more difficult for actual farmers. I think the fleurs-de-lys I saw on signs this weekend, as shown above, are quite enough to indicate whether something’s locally produced – and, you know, when you’re there, common sense basically tells you whether a producer or an item is local.
Frankie 10:59 on 2012/08/20 Permalink
You know… they could just ask where the produce comes from. What’s next? Buying only from sellers with dirt under their nails to prove that they are real farmers who grew the stuff themselves? The JT market has become performance art: guys and gals dressed in overalls being fawned over by customers who can’t tell a radicchio from a radish.
Kate 11:26 on 2012/08/20 Permalink
You’d think, but I’ve read things about people who are too shy to ask. You grow up shopping at grocery stores where you can even check yourself out with a robot cashier, then suddenly you’re faced with some guy with a farmer’s tan and a Québécois country accent and you want to know where he got his broccoli. Some people can’t cope.
Daisy 19:24 on 2012/08/20 Permalink
I am one of those who is shy about asking. (Actually I’m shy in general, shy about speaking French with an anglo accent, and shy about being potentially annoying.)
Blork 22:55 on 2012/08/20 Permalink
Asking isn’t necessarily going to help, as a lot of people will tell you anything if it means making a sale.
Kate 22:59 on 2012/08/20 Permalink
“Why yes, I grow these avocadoes at my farm in St-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!”
Blork 06:16 on 2012/08/21 Permalink
Obviously, avocadoes are not worth even asking about, but if you ask that guy where the potatoes come from, or the peppers, he might not know anything beyond “the warehouse,” but if he thinks you’re a “100 mile diet” type he’ll say whatever it takes to sell it.
Kate 07:21 on 2012/08/21 Permalink
I know. Just teasing.