[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Freehiker

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]

Originally Posted by Bay Kid

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.