Brownwood farmers market produce, is it really all local?

[frayedends]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

[retiredguy123]

Do I trust the vendors at the squares? Absolutely not. Fraud at farmers markets is rampant everywhere. This is because the markup on wholesale produce is huge.

[frayedends]

Do I trust the vendors at the squares? Absolutely not. Fraud at farmers markets is rampant everywhere. This is because the markup on wholesale produce is huge.

I realized they are charging organic prices but was suspicious of the quality.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

I trust that a tomato for 1.99 cents a pound in a farmer's market, that looks exactly like the same type of tomato for $4.99/lb in Publix, will probably taste just as good, no matter who grew it.

I also trust that the organic farm that sometimes shows up with wild field greens, is the only one who sells them in the area, so if I'm in the mood for them, I'll pay whatever they charge.

You can look up growing seasons on the internet and find out what is "in season" for the area, at any given moment. Strawberry season in Florida has started, and peak season is in February and March. Chances are, if you see "Plant City" strawberries for sale in the last half of February, it's not only local, but it's also the best strawberries you'll ever have, at any price.

[retiredguy123]

I realized they are charging organic prices but was suspicious of the quality.
True story. I knew a guy in Fairfax, Virginia who hung out at the pool hall every day except Saturday. He was a gambler and a pool hustler. He had a beard and drove an old pickup truck, and he looked like a farmer. He told me that, on Saturday, he would go to the wholesale produce market, buy produce, and sell it at a farmers market. He said that he could sell apples and tomatoes for 10 times what he paid for them.

[frayedends]

The prices I’ve seen at the farmers market haven’t been $1.99/lb but more like 2.50 per tomato. Though Publix is outrageous also. I guess I can compare prices better.

But as retiredguy says, they are just buying at wholesale markets and reselling. One thing I noticed is the produce doesn’t always look great. Sort gives the illusion of organic but probably just rejects that Publix declined.

[fdpaq0580]

I realized they are charging organic prices but was suspicious of the quality.

Ask them, then gage their response. Some may lie, others the truth or partial truth. We have had good produce at good prices. Some are "uglies", but healthy, others looked like they were just plucked from the ground. Definitely not "grocery store" quality appearance, but still good and reasonable.
Don't forget the fun aspect of going. Like some "fancy" restaurants, where you pay more for the atmosphere than the food. Jmho.

[Stu from NYC]

Some of what they sell is not grown locally so stuff comes from all over.

[MrChip72]

I remember a couple years ago in SW Florida when a "farm" that sold at farmers markets were found to get their produce delivered from Cheney Bros food wholesalers and then sold at markets. When questioned, they denied all of this but were unable to give an address for their farm.

I'm sure this is more common than anyone realizes.

[BrianL99]

I realized they are charging organic prices but was suspicious of the quality.

& this was fair representation of life on the farm.

https://youtu.be/WYLuKOvXdQs

[asianthree]

Rarely does one see produce from locals at markets. You will find local produce at the end of their drive, usually on the honor system. Most farmers don’t grow enough produce to sell the same items weekly for months at a time, that you see at FM.
Brownwood has on occasion 2 booths that sell their own produce, when they invite you to the farm for more variety, it’s worth the drive. Even citrus is hard to find locally.

We do drive to plant city strawberries for couple flats every year. Our eggs, kale, heirloom tomatoes, squash, green beans, herbs are locally sourced.

[buzzy]

True story. I knew a guy in Fairfax, Virginia who hung out at the pool hall every day except Saturday. He was a gambler and a pool hustler. He had a beard and drove an old pickup truck, and he looked like a farmer. He told me that, on Saturday, he would go to the wholesale produce market, buy produce, and sell it at a farmers market. He said that he could sell apples and tomatoes for 10 times what he paid for them.

Sounds like Capitalism.

[fdpaq0580]

Sounds like Capitalism.

And if his customers save money, it's a win-win.

Seen any locally sourced Temu stuff?

[Utah Flyfisher]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

Not proud to admit it took me twice at the ‘local farmers market’ at BW to realize that the Publix across the way had much better produce than what the farmers market had to offer. Like an idiot I assumed it was like was my weekend FM is at home (Utah) There’s some nice local stuff there for sure but…..😬 sorry, The produce was trash. Totally ripped off 🙋*♀️🙋*♀️ That’s me!
Publix is where I’ll be buying my ‘local’ produce from now on.

[BrianL99]

Not proud to admit it took me twice at the ‘local farmers market’ at BW to realize that the Publix across the way had much better produce than what the farmers market had to offer.
...


& that's a low bar. Publix produce can be pretty sketchy.

[Utah Flyfisher]

Indeed….the point I was attempting to make 🤷🏻*♀️

[Sandabern]

I don’t really know, but being from rural Ohio, I’ve been to plenty of “Farmers’ Markets” and I have limited faith. I don’t know what they are doing or not doing, but like most food here, the Farmers’ Markets here are overrated. It’s the “cost of doing business” in TV. Lifestyle is a 10 while the food is a 6 as the food most everywhere (especially the “high end” restaurants) is overrated. Although the local watermelon and strawberries here are fantastic at the right time of the year.

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

[waterflower]

You are correct. This is not a strictly local farmers market. Vendors are few who are passionate about healthy food. If you look under the vendors tables or in their vans you can see the boxes from dole etc. Evidence that they go to the reginal auction.

[Bness]

Just look under the tables and you will see all the Dole pineapple, Oregon citrus and various big farm boxes labeled with the imported produce they are selling on top of the tables as locally grown.
Large heirloom tomatoes for instance cannot be grown locally in our climate between May and September. If you see those, they are definitely not locally grown.

[jimkerr]

The produce I’ve bought at the farmers market has been good although the French bakery was always my favorite.

[Two Bills]

It all comes from a farm somewhere!

[Danube]

Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

No.

Not only is the produce almost the same stuff available in supermarkets, the spice mixes for making dips is mass-produced and is available from food wholesalers in 20 lb bags and large drums.

Many of the "home made" crafts are cheap imports.

[Danube]

Sounds like Capitalism.

And if the seller has to lie a little to make a sale, so be it. It's the way our system works. It's who we are.

[MandoMan]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

I think “Villages Grown” produce is grown in the big greenhouses near the intersection of 44 and Morse. So, yes, their produce could be at the same time locally grown and out of season and organic.

[Bay Kid]

I think “Villages Grown” produce is grown in the big greenhouses near the intersection of 44 and Morse. So, yes, their produce could be at the same time locally grown and out of season and organic.

Is there a Villages Grown store still around? There used to be one in Brownwood.

I do wonder about the boxes under the vendor table???

[Villagesgal]

If you want real farm grown, you have to drive out to the farm and either buy upick or they picked from their farm stand. Next to nothing at our farmers market it locally grown. You'd be better off growing your own in pots.

[Number 10 GI]

When I worked in Nashville, TN, my route to work took me past 3 large produce wholesalers. Nearly every morning there would be a pickup truck or two leaving from these wholesalers with a load of vegetables in the bed of the truck. My route took me past the Farmers Market in the city and guess where these pickup trucks went. Right into the FM.

[defrey12]

Do I trust the vendors at the squares? Absolutely not. Fraud at farmers markets is rampant everywhere. This is because the markup on wholesale produce is huge.

“Trust”…you know what’s going on, live with it…or go elsewhere. What are you worried about. Does it taste ok? We live hungry world…be THANKFUL for what you have.

[Villager24]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?
C’mon, I just go to have a bloody, people and dog watch, and listen to the dude selling pottery. Such a salesman!

[GATORBILL66]

Farmers market is way overpriced. Price items out and then go Publix. You will see what I am talking about, The Farmers market in Brownwood is just a gimmick for the uninformed!

[G.R.I.T.S.]

My granddaddy did that in the 50’s. Don’t think he took a huge markup but people who didn’t have access to home grown produce would buy from him.

[Cali]

I was always a bit skeptical about where the produce came from and then I saw the oranges with the barcode stickers codes on them; I'm done with the produce.
If I want fresh guacamole and am feeling a bit lazy I might stop by the farmer's market where I can see him making it; it's not cheap, but it's good.

[jimhoward]

Do they claim it to be locally grown? Probably not, its more likely just implied by the venue. And what does locally grown mean? I am assuming it means somewhere in the southeastern part of the united states, but who knows?

I don't imagine the vendors at a farmers market are themselves farmers.

Thye psychology of a farmers market is very real. A fresh vegetable purchased from a farmers market will taste better than the identical item purchased from Publix. People think they are rational and immune to this, but they are not.

But it does depend on believing in the image. The good taste comes from image that the vegetable is fresh and grown with love in a local garden. If this idea is destroyed because it is determined that the vendor is buying produce from a supermarket or wholesaler and selling in a wooden stand then the identical produce that was great last week, will stop tasting as good.

[midiwiz]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

The pricing of some items is actually far better than Publix, the produce is better than aldi,WD,and wallyworld. With that said, it's just wholesale, if you want real there are only 2 vendors that I know are consistently real, just look for the dirt. Other than that it's not a farmers market, you stand a better chance at Ocala market on 441

[J1ceasar]

I come from Jersey and I have to tell you that I think our strawberries are the best as well as our tomatoes.

I'm not saying plant cities arent good


I trust that a tomato for 1.99 cents a pound in a farmer's market, that looks exactly like the same type of tomato for $4.99/lb in Publix, will probably taste just as good, no matter who grew it.

I also trust that the organic farm that sometimes shows up with wild field greens, is the only one who sells them in the area, so if I'm in the mood for them, I'll pay whatever they charge.

You can look up growing seasons on the internet and find out what is "in season" for the area, at any given moment. Strawberry season in Florida has started, and peak season is in February and March. Chances are, if you see "Plant City" strawberries for sale in the last half of February, it's not only local, but it's also the best strawberries you'll ever have, at any price.

[Freehiker]

No.

This produce is bought in bulk elsewhere and sold off in the squares for a profit.

[JRcorvette]

I recently watched a documentary on some farmers market (not Villages) where vendors were caught just reselling subpar produce bought from supermarkets. I’m part time so it’s been a while but I don’t recall any of the produce stands showing the farm name (except Villages Grown). I also thought it odd they had out of season vegetables. But maybe there is no out of season in Florida? I just know up here in MA the farmers advertise their farm and growing practices (organic etc). Do you trust the vendors at the squares?

They are not selling farmers produce. It may be less expensive that at the grocery store.

[Stu from NYC]

No.

This produce is bought in bulk elsewhere and sold off in the squares for a profit.

Agreed

[vintageogauge]

Terrible produce, once was enough for me.

[Ropnrose]

Is there a Villages Grown store still around? There used to be one in Brownwood.

I do wonder about the boxes under the vendor table???

There's a Village's Grown store at Sawgrass.

I don't mind supporting the vendors at local farmer's markets. They're out there trying to make a buck like everyone else. If their produce is good quality, I'd rather spend my money with them, rather than a corporate chain. Before, I do purchase any produce, I walk around behind the booths and check out the boxes of produce to see where it's origin is. I've seen a lot from Georgia. Close enough for me!

[Michael 61]

Are there any farmers markets within an hour radiance of here where the produce is all locally sourced from the the actual farmers?

[Black Beauty]

We've bought at Marion Market, where if you look you can see the farmers beat up pickups. Publix is good on 2 for one's

[BrianL99]

Are there any farmers markets within an hour radiance of here where the produce is all locally sourced from the the actual farmers?

On a few occasions, I've seen one behind the Wawa in Lady Lake, at the intersection of 466 & 27/441. Legit Farmer's Market. Not huge, but pretty good.

[BrianL99]

Are there any farmers markets within an hour radiance of here where the produce is all locally sourced from the the actual farmers?

On a few occasions, I've seen one behind the Wawa in Lady Lake, at the intersection of 466 & 27/441. Legit Farmer's Market. Not huge, but pretty good. I think it's at a Library or a Church.

[Topspinmo]

O please, majority of produce comes off same truck that trucked it in.

[Two Bills]

Here in the UK, some supermarkets have started selling "Wonky" veg at near half the price of regular veg.
The only difference is they are not the uniform shape of the higher priced veg.
Who cares if a carrot or cucumber is not perfectly shaped, the nutritional value is the same.
I grow a lot of our own veg in our garden, and I reckon about 25% would be rejected on conformity by a supermarket. Nothing wrong with the stuff.
I would also add, if you are buying organic, and fruit/veg looks perfect, it has been sprayed with something.
I take organic labeled foods these days with a very large pinch of salt!
JMO.

[frayedends]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I just have to compare prices and quality and know I am not getting things from local farms, if I go at all. I do like the Villages grown stuff. The market at Sawgrass doesn't really have a lot of stock as far as produce and it is expensive. I find Publix way overpriced. Will definitely shop around and if there are local farms I will travel to them if it's good stuff.

[Bay Kid]

There's a Village's Grown store at Sawgrass.

I don't mind supporting the vendors at local farmer's markets. They're out there trying to make a buck like everyone else. If their produce is good quality, I'd rather spend my money with them, rather than a corporate chain. Before, I do purchase any produce, I walk around behind the booths and check out the boxes of produce to see where it's origin is. I've seen a lot from Georgia. Close enough for me!

Thank you for the location of the Village's Grown store.

[ndf888]

I don’t really know, but being from rural Ohio, I’ve been to plenty of “Farmers’ Markets” and I have limited faith. I don’t know what they are doing or not doing, but like most food here, the Farmers’ Markets here are overrated. It’s the “cost of doing business” in TV. Lifestyle is a 10 while the food is a 6 as the food most everywhere (especially the “high end” restaurants) is overrated. Although the local watermelon and strawberries here are fantastic at the right time of the year.


I have come to reallize that not only the Farmers’ Markets here are overrated, but the whole ‘organic’ produce is a questionable product. Because organic farmers often use manure, it tend to be high in lead and other heavy metals. Much more so than regular produce. It’s been well documented but nobody checks for it.

[FLSunshine]

The produce I’ve bought at the farmers market has been good although the French bakery was always my favorite.. We bought some baked goods (croissants and bread) from the Brownwood Farmers Market thinking it would be good. Unfortunately it was old and stale. It was awful! Never again will I buy anything from them.

[PhilR]

I’ve worked in the biz for 40 years. Last 30 for an importer/ marketer and grower yes you can be all

My previous position in Maryland, we imported tomatoes from holland (no longer allowed), Canada and Mexico depending on season. Berries from South America and Mexico. For distribution to retail

Early each spring we would get a couple farmers market folks come through buying Mexican berries and tomatoes for their stands.

[BrianL99]

I have come to reallize that not only the Farmers’ Markets here are overrated, but the whole ‘organic’ produce is a questionable product. Because organic farmers often use manure, it tend to be high in lead and other heavy metals. Much more so than regular produce. It’s been well documented but nobody checks for it.

There are organic fertilizers & pesticides, that are far more toxic than anything made in a laboratory. The FDA allows what it allows and catches "cheaters" when they have nothing else to do.

That's not to say some organically grown food items might be better than similar items not grown organically, but generically thinking that "organic" is better, healthier or safer, is simply untrue ... people are buying into the sizzle, not the reality.

[Bay Kid]

How about the fresh fish?

[jimhoward]

So you have a stand selling fresh fruit, baked goods or other perishables in a weekly farmer market. What you do with the product that doesn't sell at the end of the day? Throw it out? Or sort through it and bring back the same stuff next week if it isn't spoiled, but maybe isn't exactly fresh. Maybe freeze some things if possible.

[Nell57]

How about the fresh fish?

You know when it’s not.

[Stu from NYC]

The so called fresh fish are normally anything but.

Typically factory ship harvest fish and than flash freeze them. When we see it the fish has been defrosted.

Exception might be farm raised and no idea when the fish would have been shipped from the farm.