[jimmemac]

We live in a place that many vendors both inside and outside the villages believe that since we live here we have money and their prices reflect that-problem is there are many of us who worked hard to get here but it doesn't mean that we have money=I for one wish more people would understand that!

[jgm3279]

I personally enjoy going to the farmer's market here, what a treat when you did not have that back in.....I have found the marketers very pleasant to buy from, and def. cheaper than at the nearby grocery store. Living the good life here in TV.

[applesoffh]

I try to support my community, but summer produce comes from other places and, in my opinion, the quality isn't there. As for the prices, don't forget that the vendors rent their spots, and who knows how much that is. I got turned off during strawberry season, when I saw a vendor selling "local strawberries" was taking them out of a carton marked California Strawberries and repackaging them. When confronted, he didn't say anything. I walked away.

[Ooper]

Originally Posted by JoMar

There isn't a vendor inside TV that makes their own stuff...

So not true. There are plenty of vendors that make their own stuff.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bluedivergirl

They aren't growing the vegetables in The Villages. They are growing them in surrounding communities ~ the same communities Marion Market serves.

"Price thingy" is always an issue, no matter how much or little you may have.

I am one of those who grew up dirt poor, as did DH. You don't accumulate wealth by spending it without obtaining the best value ~ and the best value is not necessarily the cheapest.

I agree.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

My turn...uptown Girl hit the nail. Not much in local produce survives this heat. And if you want great local tomatoes, there are not any. You could blame somebody, or go north. I like Tennessee tomatoes, and I would guess it they are all gone by now too.

There is a vendor near the Walmart on CR 466 that right now has Tennessee beefsteak tomatoes, purchased some on Thursday. And they are good.

[bluedivergirl]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

There is a vendor near the Walmart on CR 466 that right now has Tennessee beefsteak tomatoes, purchased some on Thursday. And they are good.

Does he have peaches, too? I saw him Saturday, but didn't have any cash.

I may swing by. My best purchases have been the independent folks.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

We went last Saturday- it rained just before 9 a.m. there- that could have been a deterrent for some shoppers.

I have been very happy with all the produce I have purchased there and the vast majority of the fresh vegetables ARE home grown.
Let me correct that statement. Home Grown IN SEASON.

I do not agree that the prices of the fresh produce are high.
I do not agree that they are considerably higher than the Market of Marion.
Not at all.

Compare the prices/quality to anywhere else and consider what it takes to get them to that stand in the market. These are local families making an honest living.

I DO agree that some of the NON- produce 'specialty' booths have higher prices than you can find elsewhere.... but some of those products are not FOUND elsewhere- so buy them or don't, as you wish.

Where did you conclude that most of the produce is home grown. Look at the packing boxes behind the booths. Most of the produce is actually purchased for resale at wholesale markets.

[Warren Kiefer]

[QUOTE=JoMar;1100155]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

There's that price thingy again. Whatever happened to support your community?

My community ??? These venders are from places throughout central Florida. And I wouldn't consider the Market of Marion folk as being from a foreign country.

[JoMar]

[QUOTE=Warren Kiefer;1100441]

Originally Posted by JoMar

My community ??? These venders are from places throughout central Florida. And I wouldn't consider the Market of Marion folk as being from a foreign country.

I'm sorry, I thought you lived in TV which is my community.

[Doctor Who]

Liked the produce much better when the market was located in Wildwood on Saturday. Seemed to have more of the locals and local goods. Just sayin!

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

Where did you conclude that most of the produce is home grown. Look at the packing boxes behind the booths. Most of the produce is actually purchased for resale at wholesale markets.

I know several locals farmers who take their produce to these wholesale markets.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by My Daily Run

As you know I try to promote Brownwood as I just posted about it. I normally go on Sat. morning. I shop at the stores and then I hit the farmers market. I was there last week and the fruit and vegetable stands (there are not many at this time of the year) were nearly giving away their product as it was so slow. It could be a win, win for everyone if you go and check it out. Helps you and the vendor. We don't want to lose them...

If they are not being patronized then I would have to assume that most people don't care if we lose them.

And I would guess that if the prices are higher at the Brownwood Market for the same or similar quality produce elsewhere it is because the rents are higher or they feel that the people here are willing to pay more.

[jrdonn]

Wayyyy over priced, and not local.

[PaPaLarry]

One "Good" thing!!! You can get to Brownwood by golf cart!!!!