Summer of a Small Town: Is the Farmers Market Fad Over?

Despite the renaissance of Farmers Markets in America, they have been in existence forever. I never understood why they have been considered so “popular” within the past 10 years in this country. Maybe it is because this culture has been so sucked into getting everything indoors, online or even instantly in some shape or form that we have forgotten that there is life outdoors. In fact, that is how life is created, especially the foods that we eat.

What fascinates me even more is that despite having a local Farmers Market in almost every city in America these days, the products can be extremely expensive, depending on where in the country you purchase them. You are more likely to pay almost Whole Foods’ prices or more if you are at a Farmers Market on the East Coast while you might be paying very for nothing at a Farmers Market out in the Midwest or South, areas where the products are more readily available to the public without much taxes to pay for either the land they produce their products or to take care of them.

So then, what makes Farmer’s Markets still so attractive? Or are they losing their lust and now ingrained into American society finally? Is it the fact that they are outdoors? Is it because we as a society are rediscovering that we, too can create tasty food in our backyard, something we have not really done on a massive level in years.

I love going shopping and especially food shopping. I can be at a Farmers Market for hours, sampling food, talking to farmers and store owners, and enjoying what Americans as a whole have not done a whole lot in years: enjoying going outside.

I started asking myself this question when I visited the Lynchburg Farmers Market back in May last year. This particular area in Virginia (not specifically Lynchburg) is one of the trailblazers to push the local, organic food movement in recent decades for the Eastern region of the United States. Though the produce looked attractive and the scene was “hopping”, it just seemed that the “lust” for the overall experience has not necessarily died but it is now finally ingrained in Americans’ weekly routines, something that is great to see but hopefully will not go away.

Did I buy anything? Nope. Not even a carrot. OK, I lied. I bought two muffins. First, there was no need and secondly some of the products were a little expensive. Hopefully Whole Foods’ prices will compete with their competition and their criticism they received within the past year for being so expensive and almost “ripping” consumers off as if they were in a Vegas casino.

In any case, these observations made me question if Farmers Markets plan to decrease. My answer? Absolutely not and below is proof of the pudding:

Washington Times

Farmers markets a growing trend

CUESA

Farmers Market Food Trends for the New Year

NPR The Salt

Are Farmers Market Sales Peaking? That Might Be good For Farmers

Progressive Grocer

Survey Reveals Farmers Market Growth Trends

What Happened to Harry’s?

I am so glad to know I am not the only one who was concerned about the Whole Foods takeover of Atlanta’s re-known grocery store, Harry’s Farmers Market several years ago.  I know, I know I am a little behind the times. However, I have not been down here during the change and now see the full effects of it. At first, I had no clue if it would be for the better, worse or just the same. A friend of mine recently voiced their concerns about it during dinner one evening, and I could not help myself but agree about everything she said after visiting there many times upon my move down south last year.

I find myself reminiscing the past every time I go into Harry’s. I would always look forward to making that trip, spending sometimes a couple of hours touring the aisles and tasting their samples, but now it’s not as worthwhile as it used to be. I am just not as satisfied as I used to when shopping. Do not get me wrong – Harry’s still has their identity but lost some of its personality and variety since the “Whole Foodization”.

For instance, I feel the selection is more limited now than it was prior to the takeover. Harry’s used to have more rare products that were not available anywhere else in the metro area. They were already forward thinking when it came to selling local house made products such as their baked and packaged goods. I could never get enou gh of their cheese bread or apple muffins.
 
They carried more rare imports compared to what they sell today. I cannot find the French Brie that I used to be able to buy, and where on Earth is Mr. Brown’s Iced Coffee? Yes, it is an import that probably took quite some time to arrive from the United Arab Emirates, but it was one of my favorite beverages to buy while I shopped there. The last time I got a hold of it was in Germany, and I am now afraid I probably will never see it again. It is amazing what the effects of globalization will do to consumers.

Prices were most certainly not as expensive as they are now, both for domestic and international products. Paying $13 for a decent jar of honey is just not as appetizing as it was before the takeover. The structure of the store is different than it was before, but it was also much needed. It now makes sense to consumer. However, their imperfections gave the place more personality to the store, regardless of how it was designed. In fact, it made me remember where everything was more than it does now. For instance, the produce and the bakery was combined in one section upon the entrance. The beer and wine section was completely blocked off from the main pathway, appearing to be forbidden territory to even step into the section. Nowadays, no wall exists as the entire area is included with the rest of the store. I also noticed the lack of international flags that hang on their ceiling, as they used to have a plethora of representing countries who provide to the store. Now it is just a small strip across the meat section.
Despite the disappointments, their customer service improved drastically and the deli buffets are much more appetizing than previous times. If Harry’s was still independently owned, I think it would still have its old character and would even have more local products for the consumer due the spread of the trendy, organic local food movement.

I am still happy to know that Harry’s exists, but I am honestly disappointed that they had to have a large corporation control them to keep them from closing. Maybe it’s because I knew what the old Harry’s was like rather than what it is now.  In any case, Harry’s will sill be a shopping destination. I can at least enjoy what is left of it.

Harry's Farmers Market
70 Powers Ferry Road
Marietta, GA 30067