Ecomemphis

It’s spring again, and the local farmers markets are gearing back up. I’ve been to most of the farmers markets in Shelby County, from the Memphis Farmers Market downtown to the Depot Square farmers market in Arlington. If you haven’t treated yourself to this beauty, you really should.

On the Saturday mornings when your able to roll out of bed when the dew is still on the ground, and the sun isn’t fully in the sky, try to make your way to your closest farmers market – coffee in hand, of course. Glistening dew; the aroma of fresh vegetables; the sweet melody of our airborne friends; locally made jellies and jams, pottery, and honey; the friendly, smiling faces of these local farmers are truly a source of beauty and calm – a retreat from the weeks’ hectic pace – a sensory elation.

One of the reasons I enjoy going is the reminder of the stark difference between the shiny, bloated, pristine items at the big box grocery store, and the more natural items at the farmers market. Of course, our local farmers tend not to grow food items that have been genetically modified; they tend not to paint the produce with a waxy sheen before sale, and have no problem selling produce that isn’t in exceedingly ideal condition. The experience highlights the difference between the ‘Barbie’ produce available the big box grocery stores and the honest, natural produce available at the farmers markets and confirms my decision to buy local, buy fresh and buy real.

Now, the dilemma
However, I do have an issue – and I’d like to get your opinion. Some, and indeed most, the farmers at some point during the year tend to buy some of their produce from local suppliers – local suppliers (ie. Easy Way) who are buying the produce from national suppliers – produce that was shipped across the country. You’ll be able to notice this when the produce is in a packing crate.
I understand at least part of their logic. They are trying to keep us out of the big box groceries, and rightfully so. They need to offer a breadth of products or the shoppers won’t come – most people will just do what’s easiest and make the big box our one stop. In many ways, they are subject to the whims of their customers whether commensurate with a natural lifestyle or not.

Conversely, it’s not the aesthetic of a farmers market to offer/buy products that are not local.

So, I’m asking, where do you stand? Do you support the farmer by buying produce that he/she purchased from a supplier? Do you refrain from buying products at farmers markets that aren’t local?  Does it matter to you?

Let us know what you think.