The last few weeks of summer-like weather have ripened long awaited crops. At this past market, red peppers, eggplants, melons, and heirloom tomatoes created beautiful displays at the produce stands. Not all customers at the farmers market are aware that Montpelier’s Farmers Market is what is called a “producer only” market. That means that the vendors you visit every week can only sell what they make or grow themselves. It is written in the rules of the farmers market organization that vendors CANNOT buy in products to resell at market or sell products for other people. The farmers and business owners who vend at the market are also required to attend at least 50% of the markets themselves, rather than just hiring staff to cover their farmers market stands.
Why have the vendors created these standards for themselves? The mission of the Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier is to create a vibrant local agricultural community which provides high quality farm goods to customers. Part of building this community is developing relationships directly between the producer and the consumer. This relationship brings benefits to both parties– customers know their food and where it comes from, and the producers get direct feed back from their customers.
So when you visit the market, rest assured that what you are buying comes directly from the producer who is selling it to you, and straight from the heart of Vermont!
